Prince Ali’s FIFA bid receives across-the-board support on social media

AMMAN –– As soon as HRH Prince Ali declared his intention to run again for the FIFA presidency, social media networks were crammed with many tweets and posts in support for the prince. 

Prince Ali announced he was joining the race for next year’s FIFA election on Wednesday during a ceremony held at the Roman Theatre in downtown Amman.

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.

Many Jordanians turned to a number of hash tags, mainly the most popular one #AliForFIFA, commenting and posting photos and videos to show support for the prince. 

On Facebook, many shared phrases of the Prince’s speech that he delivered on Wednesday. 

Her Majesty Queen Rania (@QueenRania) was among the first to take to social media to express support for the Prince. 

“Thrilled that @AliBinAlHussein is running again for #FIFA, can’t think of a man better suited for the position! #AliForFIFA,” a post on the official Twitter account of Her Majesty read. 

HRH Crown Prince Hussein (Alhusseinjo) said through Instagram that Prince Ali’s run for the elections illustrates “hope and optimism”. 

“HRH Prince Ali, your first run for FIFA presidency brought back hope for real change. Running again today brings much optimism and a promise of transparency and integrity to this beloved game that unifies the world #AliForFIFA.”  

The official Twitter account of HRH Prince Hamzah (@HamzahHKJ) also called for support for Prince Ali.

“Support @AliBinAlHussein for transparency, integrity and change for best at FIFa! #AliFofFIFA.” 

Prince Hamzah was among the high-profile figures who attended the ceremony during which Prince Ali announced his nomination for the election. 

The official Twitter account for Jordan Olympic Committee (JOC) (@JordanOlympic) also expressed hope that Prince Ali would be the next president of FIFA. 

“Best Wishes to Prince Ali on his bid to become next FIFA President #AliForFIFA #JO,” the JOC added.  

Ayman Oliemat (@abusanad198200) said he is proud of HRH Prince Ali. 

“Prince Ali represents all Arabs so all Arabs are proud of you, son of Hussein,” he tweeted in Arabic. 

Yazan Syouf (@YazanSyouf) said it is the time for change in FIFA. 

“I hope Prince Ali wins the elections I’ve had enough of #FIFA and its ridiculous corruption #timeforchange #AliForFIFA #Princeali #football,” he tweeted.  

Prince Ali lost by 133-73 votes to the incumbent Sepp 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.

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