FIFA Candidates Unwilling to Withdraw in Battle with Blatter

(ATR) After meeting secretly in Switzerland, the presidential candidates vying to oust Sepp Blatter have agreed to continue their three-pronged mission to secure the FIFA presidency.

Jordan’s Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein, Dutch FA chief Michael van Praag and former Portugal star Luis Figo held talks in Nyon, near UEFA headquarters, to discuss the merits of their campaigns to unseat the Swiss, which are backed by European football's governing body.

Ahead of the crunch meeting – and with just 18 days until the FIFA presidential election – it was rumoured that one or possibly two of the trio might withdraw from the contest and throw their support behind the remaining candidate.

Around the Rings is told that the trio agreed to maintain their individual campaigns – for the time being.

No statements have yet been issued by Ali, Van Praag or Figo. Each of them feel that their campaigns are gaining momentum and winning support in different areas of the world, converting previously staunch Blatter allies to their cause.

With their reputations on the line, and having already garnered firm support from some, if not many, FAs on their travels criss-crossing the globe, the three appear unwilling to drop out at this stage - putting at risk those votes and denting their reputations.

Last week, Prince Ali dismissed speculation he might step aside, confirming his intention to fight Blatter to the end.

With four years on the FIFA ExCo, the 39-year-old appears to have the best, albeit slim, chance of beating Blatter.

But he was apparently unable to persuade Van Praag and Figo to join his team at the Monday meeting. The Dutchman and former Real Madrid player had previously expressed a determination to see the campaign through.

However, the 79-year-old incumbent remains overwhelming favourite to secure a fifth term as FIFA president in Zurich later this month.

Van Praag’s FIFA bid received a boost on Monday when he won the support of the International Trade Union Confederation.

The ITUC said the Dutch FA leader and his national federation had made the most concrete statements on Qatar’s "notorious system of worker exploitation" and the need for FIFA to act.

"FIFA can save itself from the catastrophe of a World Cup built on modern slavery in Qatar, by electing a candidate who will act decisively to support human rights," said ITUC general secretary Sharan Burrow.

"Prince Ali has also spoken strongly on the issue, but only one candidate, Michael van Praag, has put human rights in his official election manifesto. On that basis Mr van Praag offers the best hope today that FIFA will finally put real pressure on Qatar to reform its medieval labour laws."

Reported byMark Bisson

Homepage photo: Getty Images

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