Infantino says reform package must be backed and then implemented, fast
February 24 – Gianni Infantino says FIFA has no future unless it cleans up its image after Friday’s presidential election.
FIFA
Salman keeps focus on FIFA’s finances and promises new money
By Paul Nicholson
February 24 – Shaikh Salman Bin Al Khalifa has kept the FIFA political focus on financial issues to the front of the election agenda by repeating his belief that FIFA could not afford the $5 million per federation promise being made by Gianni Infantino.
A transparency question: Ali keeps pressure on polling booth issue to keep votes secret
By Andrew Warshaw
February 24 – The row over voting procedures at Friday’s FIFA presidential election has taken another remarkable step with Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein writing to the entire FIFA membership to explain why he has called on the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to consider postponing the ballot unless fairness and transparency can be guaranteed.
Salman confident of support despite ‘desperate’ critics
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.
Polling booth battle: Prince Ali calls on CAS to suspend election vote
By Andrew Warshaw
February 23 – FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein has called on the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to postpone Friday’s presidential election because of a dispute over voting procedures which he believes could seriously jeopardise his chances of victory.
Champagne questions FIFA favours for UEFA and AFC election day observers
By Andrew Warshaw
February 23 – First mobile phones and cameras were banned, then a request for transparent booths was rejected. Now, amid intensifying suspicion about voting manipulation, a complaint has been submitted by one of the five FIFA presidential candidates over the number of observers attached to rival teams being allowed to attend Friday’s showdown.
Picking sides? Sexwale and Infantino buddy up on Robben Island
By Paul Nicholson
February 23 – The first concrete signs of dealmaking between candidates in the FIFA presidential election race became evident yesterday following a meeting between South African candidate Tokyo Sexwale and UEFA’s top gun Gianni Infantino, with Sexwale saying he is “open to negotiations and alliances”.
India on track for U17 World Cup but FIFA says build must accelerate
By Samindra Kunti
February 22 – FIFA is satisfied with India’s planning and preparation for next year’s U17 World Cup, but indicated that the hosts still need major renovation in the six selected venues to be compliant with international standards.
The $5m question: Champagne warns of danger of big money promises
By Andrew Warshaw
February 22 – The spending plans of FIFA presidential candidate Gianni Infantino, which have already been questioned by his main rival Shaikh Salman, have come under further scrutiny, this time from election outsider Jerome Champagne.
Prince Ali wants more transparency when it comes to voting booths
By Andrew Warshaw
February 22 – The sensitivity surrounding Friday’s FIFA presidential election has been racked up a notch after FIFA rejected a demand from one of the candidates to use transparent voting booths to ensure delegates do not photograph their ballot papers.
Blatter says World Cups can’t be bought and he killed no-one
By Andrew Warshaw
February 22 – As he awaits the imminent outcome of his appeal against his eight-year ban and the election of his successor, Sepp Blatter insists the December 2010 vote to host the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was clean, but has repeated that political influences played a role in the infamous ballot that went some way to prompting the biggest scandal in FIFA history.
FIFA vote: Kuwait and Indonesia could be cleared to join the party
By Matt Scott
February 21 – FIFA’s presidential election will feature two swing voters who in an increasingly bitter struggle for support among candidates could play a decisive role in its outcome.
Blatter tells feds to vote with their conscience
By Andrew Warshaw
February 19 – Outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter insists he has no preferred candidate to take his place but says he has spoken with four of the five contenders in the build-up to next week’s election.
FIFA vote: Gloves off in election battle, phones off on polling day
February 19 – To ensure that no last-minute skullduggery takes place and the ballot remains secret, mobile phones and cameras will be banned from polling booths at next week’s FIFA presidential election.
Prince Ali looks to UN and picks Kofi Annan to lead FIFA rehab unit
By Andrew Warshaw
February 19 – FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali bin al-Hussein has revealed more details of the independent “oversight” body from outside football he will introduce if elected, with former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan (pictured centre) planned to head up the group whose mission will be to help FIFA out of its quagmire of scandal and corruption.