FIFA President Sepp Blatter "was challenged to a public debate" of FIFA presidency candidates on Tuesday "after Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein formally launched his bid to unseat the most powerful man in football," according to Ben Rumsby of the London TELEGRAPH. Ali, "arguably Blatter’s most credible opponent" at May’s elections, also accused the governing body of using “intimidation” against anybody who came out against the current regime. That "did not stop the son of the late King Hussein of Jordan revealing for the first time the countries which had nominated him to stand against Blatter," confirming that the FA and his own federation had been joined by those of the U.S., Belarus, Georgia and Malta. And "he was also bold enough to call upon Blatter to debate with him and fellow candidates Michael van Praag and Luis Figo in a public forum." Ali said, "If we are talking about transparency, I would like to see at least before the elections a public debate, including the incumbent" (TELEGRAPH, 2/3). In London, Owen Gibson wrote Ali said, "There is a culture of intimidation within FIFA but this is a candidacy for the whole world. In the past, people have taken a principled stand and have been punished for it." Ali, whose campaign has also been endorsed by UEFA President Michel Platini along with those of the other two challengers, said that he planned to meet with Figo and Van Praag "as soon as possible" (GUARDIAN, 2/3). REUTERS' Mike Collett wrote Ali "is facing a complication over the next few months." Due to changes in the Asian confederation, "he will lose his seat on the FIFA executive committee following the Asian congress on April 30 when he will be replaced by Sheikh Salman of Bahrain." He confirmed that he would not contest an "ordinary" Asian seat on the FIFA exec committee at the Asian Congress which means he faces a "win or bust" situation. Ali: "My total commitment is to run for the presidency of FIFA. I am not going to sit through another four years of what's been going on and I think the way to change it is to go for the top. I want to turn the pyramid upside down, so that the national associations, the players, the officials, the fans and the sponsors are on top and the FIFA president is there to serve them and protect the game" (REUTERS, 2/3). In London, James Masters wrote Ali "wants Blatter to take part in a televised debate with the other candidates in what looks like a move to expose the current president’s weaknesses on a wider stage." Ali: "We had promises from him that he wouldn’t run again, but obviously that is not the case. With full honesty and integrity, he should give a chance to others" (LONDON TIMES, 2/3).
