February 23 – Shaikh Salman Bin Al-Khalifa, believed to be tied neck and neck with Gianni Infantino to become FIFA president, says rival candidates who have been criticising him are simply getting desperate.
Much has been made, especially in the west, of the Asian football chief’s dubious human rights record but in an exclusive interview on Tuesday night with Abu Dhabi Sport Channel, the Bahraini attempted to put the record straight.
In what could be perceived to be a dig especially towards his Asian rival, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, Sheikh Salman, speaking in Arabic, was quoted as saying: “Perhaps some of them (my critics) are getting desperate. I’m very confident.”
Despite officially endorsing Sheikh Salman, Africa is now reported to be split between him and Infantino. “You can never be sure of 100% support … but we have a bigger percentage than any other candidate in both Asia and Africa,” countered Shaikh Salman. “I am hoping to win even more votes in the last few days especially among those who have not made up their minds.”
Shaikh Salman, already in Zurich, says he does not expect all those currently in the race will still be there come Friday afternoon.
“Maybe some of them will go on as long as possible, then withdraw,” he told his interviewer. “As things stand now, I believe half the (209-member) congress is with me.”
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