Fifa presidential hopefuls unveil plans for Africa

Fifa presidential contestants claim the continent will be among their key areas of focus should they be given the mandate on February 26

Fifa presidential aspirants Prince Ali bin al-Hussein and Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim AlKhalifa have reiterated their commitment to develop football in Africa.

The duo was present at the Wafu Zone B Congress held in Accra on Tuesday to solicit support ahead of February 26 elections.

“I am particularly for the future of our youth – boys and girls,” Prince Ali addressed the gathering, “and Africa really has the potential to be an incredible part of the future.

“There’s so much to be done in terms of supporting the sport on the continent and I’m obviously totally committed to that.

“At the same time, I am coming from a national association, so I am one of the people who wants to bring a different perspective to Fifa’s zone organizations. It’s not Fifa that owns football; it’s football that owns Fifa.”

President of the Asian Football Confederation, Sheikh Salman also took his turn.

“Football all around the world need to be supported; Africa and Asia are no exceptions,” he said.

“My interest is to help Africa and all others in need. I support Blatter but I have my ways of doing things and how I will run Fifa.”

Three other aspirants Gianni Infantino, Jerome Champagne and South Africa’s Tokyo Sexwale were, however, missing at the event.