Latest rumors are that Asia's FIFA VP Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein of Jordan "has been persuaded to run for the presidency of FIFA," according to Paul Nicholson of INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL. If confirmed, he could be the third candidate prepared to take on current FIFA President Sepp Blatter "in his bid for a fifth term at the head of the world governing body." The entrance of Prince Ali into the race "would raise a number of intriguing voting possibilities as it is certain he would win votes from the anti-Blatter section of Europe." Ali "would also be expected to win the support of most of his West Asian colleagues." He could "reasonably expect some support from CONCACAF federations," particularly the U.S. and some Caribbean nations that have strong affiliations to their North American federation colleague (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 10/22). The AP reported UEFA President Michel Platini says he will not support Blatter in his bid for a fifth term as FIFA president. Platini said, "I wish him well but four years ago he asked for our support by telling us that it would be his last candidacy. Now he's again asked for our support and I told him we won't anymore, we need some fresh air." The vote "is scheduled for May" (AP, 10/21).
