U.S. soccer to vote for Prince Ali in FIFA election; 'We are doing what we think is right'
United States soccer president Sunil Gulati is planning to throw his support to Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein in Friday's FIFA presidential election, even if that means it could jeopardize America's chances of hosting a World Cup in the future should Sepp Blatter win re-election.
"I’m sure there are some people who would disagree with that decision and would prioritize things differently," Gulati told Sam Borden of The New York Times. "But this is how we feel, and we are doing what we think is right. If being on the right side of issues costs us from hosting a World Cup in the future, that would be unfortunate. But we are prepared to deal with that."
In an ambitious attempt to repair the toxic situation that hit the game's governing body Wednesday, UEFA president Michel Platini said he asked Blatter to step down.
Blatter declined, as expected, and the two went their separate ways after a brief meeting ahead of Friday's FIFA Congress, where presidential elections will take place at the organization's headquarters in Zurich.
Platini spoke with the press Thursday after several high-profile officials were indicted on bribery charges by the U.S. Department of Justice. With Blatter expected to win a fifth term as FIFA president, Platini is considering alternate routes to rectify the situation and distance the European governing body from the scandal that has rocked the football world. He even hinted that UEFA may choose to boycott the FIFA executive committee.
Platini believes Blatter will face significant opposition Thursday when he goes up against Prince Ali, the only other candidate running for president.
Platini said: "We support Prince Ali - and we ask others to do the same. I have tears in my eyes but there have been too many scandals"
— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) May 28, 2015
The former French international has urged members of UEFA to vote in favour of Prince Ali, a candidate he may not have considered a worthy adversary before Wednesday's flurry of arrests.
"Yes. Before what happened yesterday, no," Platini said when asked if Blatter could be beaten. "But enough is enough. People have really had enough. I think there will be a lot of changes but we're going to continue working this evening."
Gulati also noted the Canadian soccer federation will join him in supporting Prince Ali. Canadian Soccer Association president Victor Montagliani told Neil Davidson of The Canadian Press voting for Prince Ali is about giving FIFA a much needed change.
"The organization needs a definite change, a refresh," Montagliani said. "And I think we need to govern the game in a better way. And this is also a comment to the FIFA Executive Committee. It's not just about one person. The game deserves better. Period."