NEWS
Jordan’s Prince Ali confirms FIFA presidential candidacy
POSTED 10 Sep 2015 . BY Tom Walker
Prince Ali was the only challenger to Sepp Blatter's crown in the May FIFA election
Prince Ali bin Al Hussein has formally launched a second bid to become president of football’s world governing body FIFA.

Ali was defeated in May’s FIFA presidential election by the controversial incumbent Sepp Blatter. Despite winning the vote, however, Blatter – whose tenure has been tarnished by accusations of widespread corruption and irregularities concerning World Cup bids – said he would be standing down to "protect FIFA".

Blatter will relinquish his throne on 26 February 2016, the date set for the new presidential election.

Confirming his candidacy for the election, Ali said he wanted to “finish what he started” and that he would be standing for people who want football to be a “global force for social good”.

“My sole ambition is to make FIFA worthy of representing the greatest sport and the greatest fans on Earth,” Ali said.

“It's time to shift the focus back to the world's game. Football should serve the under-served. It should be about more than mere personal glory. It should be a global force for social good.

“As President of FIFA, I will listen to all. I will never forget who I am working for.”

Making the announcement, Ali also directed a thinly-veiled barb at rival candidate, UEFA president Michel Platini – who had publicly called for Sepp Blatter’s removal before the May presidential election, but didn’t put himself forward as a candidate.

“I was the only person who dared to challenge Mr. Blatter for the Presidency of FIFA,” Ali said. “I had the courage to fight for change when others were afraid.

“I conceded that election. Not because I was not the best candidate, but because others were using me to make room for themselves.

“They didn’t have the guts to run, but I did. Ever since President Blatter promised his resignation just a few days later, they have been scrambling to secure the job for themselves.”

Platini was one of those to have launch his candidacy soon after Blatter announced his resignation plans.

Others to have confirmed their candidacy include Brazilian legend Zico, South Korean lawyer Chung Mong-joon and former Trinidad and Tobago player David Nakhid.
RELATED STORIES
 


CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
 
Leisure Management - Jordan’s Prince Ali confirms FIFA presidential candidacy...
06 Jun 2026 Leisure Management: daily news and jobs
 
 
HOME
JOBS
NEWS
FEATURES
PRODUCTS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION
PRINT SUBSCRIPTION
ADVERTISE
CONTACT US
Sign up for FREE ezine
Latest news

10 Sep 2015

Jordan’s Prince Ali confirms FIFA presidential candidacy
BY Tom Walker

Prince Ali was the only challenger to Sepp Blatter's crown in the May FIFA election

Prince Ali was the only challenger to Sepp Blatter's crown in the May FIFA election

Prince Ali bin Al Hussein has formally launched a second bid to become president of football’s world governing body FIFA.

Ali was defeated in May’s FIFA presidential election by the controversial incumbent Sepp Blatter. Despite winning the vote, however, Blatter – whose tenure has been tarnished by accusations of widespread corruption and irregularities concerning World Cup bids – said he would be standing down to "protect FIFA".

Blatter will relinquish his throne on 26 February 2016, the date set for the new presidential election.

Confirming his candidacy for the election, Ali said he wanted to “finish what he started” and that he would be standing for people who want football to be a “global force for social good”.

“My sole ambition is to make FIFA worthy of representing the greatest sport and the greatest fans on Earth,” Ali said.

“It's time to shift the focus back to the world's game. Football should serve the under-served. It should be about more than mere personal glory. It should be a global force for social good.

“As President of FIFA, I will listen to all. I will never forget who I am working for.”

Making the announcement, Ali also directed a thinly-veiled barb at rival candidate, UEFA president Michel Platini – who had publicly called for Sepp Blatter’s removal before the May presidential election, but didn’t put himself forward as a candidate.

“I was the only person who dared to challenge Mr. Blatter for the Presidency of FIFA,” Ali said. “I had the courage to fight for change when others were afraid.

“I conceded that election. Not because I was not the best candidate, but because others were using me to make room for themselves.

“They didn’t have the guts to run, but I did. Ever since President Blatter promised his resignation just a few days later, they have been scrambling to secure the job for themselves.”

Platini was one of those to have launch his candidacy soon after Blatter announced his resignation plans.

Others to have confirmed their candidacy include Brazilian legend Zico, South Korean lawyer Chung Mong-joon and former Trinidad and Tobago player David Nakhid.



Connect with
Leisure Management
Magazine:
View issue contents
Sign up:
Instant Alerts/zines

Print edition
 

News headlines
Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination
Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination   05 Jun 2026

A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care has revealed that almost half of participating .... more>>

Solmar Hotels and Resorts offers Temazcal ceremony for Global Wellness Day
Solmar Hotels and Resorts offers Temazcal ceremony for Global Wellness Day   05 Jun 2026

Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at .... more>>

Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction
Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction   05 Jun 2026

A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii is preparing to open near the world-famous .... more>>

Nuffield Health says it will appeal after losing at employment tribunal
Nuffield Health says it will appeal after losing at employment tribunal   05 Jun 2026

Nuffield Health has told HCM that it takes its responsibilities towards its colleagues seriously and is committed to meeting all legal .... more>>

Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi   05 Jun 2026

Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, .... more>>

Technogym and World Athletics team up to launch the Run X World Treadmill Championships
Technogym and World Athletics team up to launch the Run X World Treadmill Championships   05 Jun 2026

Technogym has announced the launch of the Run X World Treadmill Championship, the first world championship for running on connected treadmills over .... more>>

Company profile


Life Fitness/Hammer Strength

Life Fitness / Hammer Strength works with some of the world’s most recognised hospitality brands, supporting premium fitness experiences.

View full profile>>

Catalogue gallery


Featured Supplier

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs

Spa professionals see it every day: clients are arriving with more complex expectations. More>>




in this issue

• Virgin gets right to wipe out rent arrears
• Fitness industry mourns passing of Jan Spaticchia
• STA offers mindfulness resources



Latest jobs

Jobs Search



Membership Advisor
Salary: Competitive salary plus commission & benefits
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
Customer Service Advisor
Salary: Competitive
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
GP Exercise Referral Instructor
Salary: £33,000pa + benefits
Location: Harrow
Company: Everyone Active
Diary dates
Powered by leisurediary.com

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland







Published by Leisure Media Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385 | Contact us | About us | © Cybertrek Ltd