Prince Ali to run again for FIFA presidency

AMMAN – HRH Prince Ali has decided to run again for next year's FIFA presidency elections, he announced on Wednesday.

The Prince made his announcement in a speech during a ceremony held at downtown Amman's ancient Roman Theatre attended by HRH Princess Alia, HRH Prince Hamzah, Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour, Amman's Mayor Aqel Biltaji and several government official and diplomats, in addition to many locals and foreign media representatives. 

Prince Ali is the third heavyweight to declare candidacy, following UEFA President Michel Platini of France, and former Asia vice-president Chung Mong-joon of South Korea, according to Reuters.

"I stand with the people who love football as I do, people who love justice and fair play, people who know in their hearts the power of the sport to change lives for the better. Friends, I stand here in this ancient place in the timeless heart of Amman to once again launch my candidacy for the presidency of FIFA," the prince said.

Prince Ali recalled that he was the only person who had the courage to challenge outgoing FIFA chief Sepp Blatter. 

Prince Ali lost by 133-73 votes to Blatter who later announced he was stepping down from the position amid the worst crisis FIFA witnessed following arrests of its officials and others two days before the election.

"I ran because I believe that FIFA needs change and I had the courage to fight for change when others were afraid," he added. 

Reflecting on the previous elections, the Prince said: 

"I conceded that election not because I was not the best candidate, but because others were using me to make room for themselves. They did not have the guts to run, but I did. Ever since President Blatter promised his resignation, just a few days later, they have been scrambling to secure the job for themselves," he added.  

Prince Ali stressed that he is running for the presidency race because he is advocating a cause. 

“I have seen with my own eyes how Jordanians have overcome some of the greatest adversity to play this sport and through it find an identity, a living and a future. Above all, they found dignity,” the prince noted. 

Prince Ali, who is the president of Jordan Football Association, noted that the change can be made in FIFA through a new leadership. 

“I do not believe that FIFA can give this sport back to the people of the world without new leadership, untainted by the practices of the past,” he added.

Prince Ali noted that he thought long and hard about how to reform FIFA. 

“It will be a difficult task. We must overcome deep-seated corruption and political deal-making,” he added. 

He noted that as a president of FIFA, he will listen to all. 

“I will stand up for the players. I will stand up for the fans. I will stand up for the member associations, officials and sponsors who want to do things the right way,” he added. 

Prince Ali also stressed that FIFA’s resources should be allocated for the development of the game. 

“What comes into FIFA should not be withheld, but given back to you in the interest of developing the game,” he added.  

Candidates with nominations from five national associations must officially register their declarations with FIFA by October 26, according to Reuters.