FIFA suspensions a boost for Prince Ali’s presidential bid — analysts

AMMAN – FIFA Ethics Committee on Thursday banned Sepp Blatter and two other candidates to replace him. Local experts believe the suspension would boost the chances of HRH Prince Ali in his bid to take over as leader of the football governing body.

Blatter and UEFA President Michel Platini were both suspended for 90 days, while South Korean presidential candidate Chung Mong-joon was banned for six years in a separate case. FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke was also banned for 90 days (see story page 16).

The suspensions can be extended by up to 45 days. 

Prince Ali, Platini and Chung have always been described by international media as the most favoured to replace Blatter in the emergency election in February 26.

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

Amjad Majali, director of the sports department at Al Rai daily, said the corruption scandals that have engulfed FIFA and the latest suspensions give a boost to the credibility of Prince Ali’s bid to save the game and prove he is the right candidate for the presidency. 

"Prince Ali has always warned against corruption in FIFA.  He is the one who talked about the need for genuine reforms," Majali told The Jordan Times following the announcement of the suspensions by the ethics panel. 

Describing Thursday’s suspension decisions against three prominent football figures as an "earthquake" that shook the beauty of the game, Taiseer Omeiri, Al Ghad's sports department editor, said chances of Prince Ali to win FIFA presidency elections are "much higher now".  

“Football federations across the world should realise that their votes should go to the one who wants a brighter image for the game. Prince Ali is the one,” he added.

Issa Turk, a coach and former footballer, agreed that Prince Ali chances have received a boost following the suspensions. 

“As someone involved in football for decades, I am so sad that the image of football has been ruined like this. FIFA needs a person like Prince Ali to build up a better image and restore its reputation,” Turk added. 

HRH Prince Ali decided last month to run again for next year’s FIFA presidency elections, stressing that he was the only person who had the courage to challenge Blatter in May 29 of this year.

In an analysis following FIFA ethics panel rulings, Reuters said if Platini would not be able to overturn his ban and join the election race, it would leave Prince Ali as the clear favourite for the top position.