African football chiefs to back Blatter, Van Praag enters race
January 27, 2015
African federations will vote overwhelmingly in favor of current FIFA president Sepp Blatter, despite growing dismay in Europe over the 78-year-old's tenure.
Blatter is set to win his fifth term as FIFA president when the members of world's governing body convene for the FIFA Congress on May 29. He is expected to face four or more European rivals - but the Swiss-born supremo continues to enjoy strong backing from different corners of the globe.
The increase in funding and power to African nations from the sport's world governing body has cemented Blatter's reputation with the continent's football chiefs. Kwesi Nyantakyi, head of Ghana's Football Federation, told Reuters that Blatter has been a game-changer for the African confederations.
"Africa is solidly behind Blatter. You will find he is very popular on the continent," said Nyantakyi who is also a member of Confederation of African Football's Executive Committee.
"He has done a lot for the continent. It is he who has set up the financial assistance programmes and who through the Goal project has built infra structure in all of the countries.
"The Europeans don't understand that. They say it is not his own money but FIFA's but that's not the point. He is the one who set up all the assistance programmes that have helped boost African football."
Europe's latest challenger
Michael Van Praag, head of the Dutch Football Association (KNVB), revealed on Monday that he would also be running for presidency. Former Ajax chairman Van Praag, now 67, appears to be the most credible opponent to Blatter given his background and is part of UEFA's Executive Committee.
It's still unclear whether the Dutchman is an official UEFA-endorsed challenger to Blatter - a suggestion ruled out by Secretary General of UEFA, Gianni Infantino.
"It is well known that I am very worried about FIFA," Van Praag said on his federation's website. "It is high time that the organization is fully normalized and puts its full focus back on football.
"For a time, I hoped that there would be a credible opponent, but that's simply not happened.
"Then you must not only use words but also act decisively and take responsibility. Therefore I present myself now as a candidate."
Van Praag was an outspoken figure at the last FIFA Congress in Brazil when he confronted Blatter at the height of allegations around corruption. The Dutchman has received the support, and word of endorsement from FIFA vice-president Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, who announced his intention to stand for election on January 6.
"We welcome other credible colleagues from the football family who want to join a genuine debate about the future of FIFA," said Jordanian Prince Ali on Tuesday.
"This election campaign is not about personalities, it is about what is in the best interests of football and the world governing body of the game going forward.
"It is good for democracy that Michael Van Praag has made this announcement."
Under-fire UEFA
When asked about the association's impact in the presidential election, Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was critical of Europe's governing body, UEFA, over their lack of a consistent candidate for the presidency of FIFA.
"Most of all not a consistent one, so one has to look at that critically," Rummenigge told Kicker. "As long as Blatter is a candidate he will win. His power base is too big, the large majority will vote for him."
Another three men had emerged as potential contenders to oust Blatter from the post he has held since the 1998 FIFA Congress. Former FIFA deputy Jerome Champagne has been the most credible runner for the last few years, but many struggle to earn the votes necessary to stand against the current incumbent.
Meanwhile, former French footballer David Ginola announced his campaign, which is supported by a bookmaker and Italian agent Mino Raiola expressed minor interest. However, all three are unlikely candidates to take the top post in the world's governing association.
Representatives from the Federations will meet in Zurich on May 29 for the FIFA Congress where the 78-year-old Blatter is expected to come out on top in the presidential elections.
rd / apc (Reuters, AP)