Crowded contest for FIFA top job as Prince Ali of Jordan gets back in the race

FIFA presidential contender Prince Ali bin al-Hussein has launched his second bid for football’s top office into a more crowded field. The Jordanian prince entered the fray on Wednesday, taking apparent aim at a favorite in the muddled race, UEFA President Michel Platini, without mentioning him by name.

I was the only person who dared to challenge Mr. Blatter for the presidency of FIFA…and I had the courage to fight for change when others were afraid.

Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein.

The 39-year-old royal made his announcement at a carefully staged event, speaking to about 300 invited guests, including young Jordanians and foreign diplomats, in a Roman amphitheater in the kingdom’s capital of Amman. Sepp Blatter’s stunning decision on June 2 to step down amid corruption investigations created a rare vacancy at FIFA that many crave to fill.

It is only through new leadership that FIFA can change 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.

Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan

Sports Prince Ali