CAS dismisses Prince Ali's bid for transparent voting booths
Wednesday 24 February 2016 17:25, UK
Prince Ali bin al-Hussein has confirmed his request to postpone Friday's FIFA presidential election has been dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The 40-year-old voiced concerns that his rivals were exerting undue pressure on the 209 voters to record proof that they had cast their vote a certain way.
Al-Hussein wanted transparent voting booths used at the congress because in previous soccer elections, some voters have been pressured to take mobile phones into the booth to provide visual proof later of who they supported.
This request was first rejected by FIFA, and now by CAS, and that has led Al-Hussein to question the integrity of the entire process.
"My central point throughout the campaign has been the honesty and integrity of the election, principles worth fighting for," Al-Hussein said in a statement.
"I advocated for transparent voting booths on behalf of FA Presidents who want to vote their conscience, without worrying that someone with a different agenda is looking over their shoulder.
"I fought for them at FIFA and at CAS, and brought transparent booths to Zurich to eliminate any excuse for not using them.
"I have done all I can. I regret that the system let us down. The only positive aspect of today's ruling is it that the election will now go forward as planned, and the media will be closely watching for any evidence that anyone is photographing their ballot.
"It is now imperative that voters abide by the ban on mobile phones and cameras in the voting booth. I look forward to Friday's vote and remain as committed as ever to the goal of reforming FIFA."
The sports court ruled hours after several booths arrived at Zurich airport.
