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Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, the former FIFA Executive Committee opens Soccerex Global Convention 2015
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Speaking at the opening of the Soccerex Global Convention in Manchester today (7 September), Prince Ali called for transparency and lamented another year “being lost” before real change can take place.
Following his narrow election win, Blatter announced that he would resign from his role – but not before 26 February 2016, the planned date for a new presidential election.
“FIFA is in crisis and there needs to be a change in leadership,” Prince Ali said. “The world’s largest sport is too important to not have complete transparency.
He added that Blatter, the controversial figure that has been president since 1998, shouldn’t hide behind excuses.
“Any person in the position of leadership needs to take full accountability. You are responsible for what happens within your organisation, no matter what.
“He should’ve stepped down a long time ago. If he had the interest of football at heart, he would’ve resigned.”
Prince Ali also criticised the way FIFA currently chooses its president.
“The election process itself is very difficult. There was general intimidation – for example, it was hard for all candidates to take the stage at FIFA’s regional congresses, let alone have debates.”
Prince Ali refused to confirm that he would stand at next years FIFA presidential election – but didn't rule it out either.
"What's this space," he said, when pressed on the matter.
Prince Ali was interviewed by David Davies, former Executive Director of the Football Association, at the opening of this year’s Soccerex event.
Now in its 20th year, Soccerex is the world’s largest football business event, bringing together global leaders in the business of football to debate, network and do business. - See more at: http://www.soccerex.com