DPA/Harare
FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali Bin al-Hussein of Jordan has called on African countries to back his bid to unseat Joseph Blatter as boss of football’s world governing body and has suggested more World Cup places could be awarded to the continent.
“I am now ready to be at the helm of FIFA after having spending four years as its vice president,” al-Hussein told journalists in the Zimbabwean capital Harare yesterday.
“I want to develop the grassroots in Africa, we have to increase slots for the World Cup for this continent. There is a lot of talent here.”
Al-Hussein, 39, is one of four candidates, including Blatter, Portugal’s Luis Figo and Dutch federation president Michael van Praag running for FIFA president in the election which takes place on May 29 in Zurich.
Africa has 54 associations included in FIFA but had only five qualifying spots for the 2014 World Cup held in Brazil. European countries continue dominate the event having sent 13 representatives last time.
Al-Hussein met the country’s acting president, Emmerson Mnangangwa, Sports Minister Andrew Langa and Zimbabwe Football Association chairman Cuthbert Dube in his visit.
“I come from a region and a country that is developing just like Africa,” al-Hussein said. “My hope is to develop the talent in Africa and take it to greater heights, world class standards, that is why I am here in Africa.”
Officials said al-Hussein would be visiting South Africa, Madagascar and Egypt this week before flying back to his base in Jordan. Another visit to Africa is planned before the election.
