Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan insists FIFA elections should go ahead as planned
Wednesday 14 October 2015 07:29, UK
FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan believes delaying the February 26 elections would further harm the credibility of the organisation.
Football's governing body has been embroiled in crisis following a host of allegations against FIFA president Sepp Blatter.
The 79-year-old is subject to criminal proceedings by the Swiss Attorney General's office, while Blatter and other top FIFA officials have been suspended amid the investigation.
But Hussein insists FIFA requires stability and should press ahead with elections for a new president as planned.
He said: "Recent events at FIFA have shown us that no one is above the law. The Ethics Committee must now be allowed to do its work in a robust and timely fashion.
"With FIFA's crisis deepening, the organization needs to move beyond interim leadership and elect an accountable president.
"Delaying the scheduled election would only postpone needed change and create further instability. It would tell the world that lessons haven't been learned, that the same backroom deals that have discredited FIFA in the first place continue.
"Members of the FIFA Executive Committee should remember that Football Associations, players, coaches and fans the world over are watching.
"The EXCO should not interfere with an ongoing process that was put in place by the ad hoc electoral committee. The election date of February 26 was set three months ago with a clear procedure that meets all of FIFA's statutory requirements. Candidates have had plenty of time to declare and still do. The rules should not be changed after the game has started."
