Asian Football Confederation presidential candidate and UAE FA President Yousuf Al Serkal "promised to introduce new transparency measures such as publishing his financial benefits if he’s voted into office," according to Panja & Fattah of BLOOMBERG. He said he would also "set up a whistle-blower helpline to encourage the exposure of wrongdoing." Al Serkal is competing with football heads of Thailand, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain for the AFC presidency. It "will be decided at the 47-member AFC’s extraordinary congress" in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 2 (BLOOMBERG, 4/8). In Dubai, Alaric Gomes reported Al Sarkal unveiled his election manifesto Monday using the slogan “Football at Heart.” His vision "included six pledges that he believes can transform the AFC." Al Serkal: "We are at a time when our stakeholders believe that leaders in the game are only in it for themselves. This must change. I want to see an AFC where football is the first and only topic on the agenda" (GULF NEWS, 4/8). In Abu Dhabi, John McAuley reported Al Serkal "confirmed his confidence in being elected president, while he also outlined his policies." Al Serkal: "I know from my experience that I will win. I'm sure about that, not only by promises but by my old and new contacts within the football federations" (THE NATIONAL, 4/8).
