FIFA Report - Prince Ali Congratulates Sheikh Salman; Al Thawadi Downplays Ex-Co Defeat

Prince Ali Congratulates Sheikh Salman

FIFA Vice President Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein says he welcomes the result of today’s elections at the AFC Congress in Kuala Lumpur.

Bahrain’s Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa won 33 of the 46 first round votes for president, giving him a two-thirds majority and eliminating the need for a run-off. Thailand’s Worawi Makudi secured seven votes and UAE’s Yousuf al-Serkal just six.

"I would like to congratulate Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa for winning the elections today and assuming the responsibilities of the Presidency of the Asian Football Confederation, and I would also like to welcome him on the FIFA Executive Committee," said Prince Ali, also an Ex-Co member.

"Developing the sport in the world’s most diverse and populous continent is a great challenge but the potential is even greater. I look forward to working closely with Sheikh Salman to serve and unite Asian football and bring the focus back to the game, the players, national teams, clubs and fans," added the Jordanian in a statement.

Qatar 2022 Chief Downplays Ex-Co Defeat

Hassan Al Thawadi says "it's not a blow at all" to lose today’s election to the FIFA Executive Committee.

An anomaly in the FIFA Statutes meant Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, elected earlier in Kuala Lumpur as president of the Asian Football Confederation, was not guaranteed a place on the Ex-Co, forcing him to face a second vote against the Qatar 2022 chief.

"Previously we didn't have members in the executive committee,'' Al Thawadi said after losing the ballot to the Bahraini by a tally of 18-28.

"In the coming months people will see the progress being made.''

He is now expected to contest the seat vacated this week by Sri Lanka’s Manilal Fernando, who has been banned by world football’s governing body for eight years.

"All options are open," Al Thawadi was quoted in an Associated Press report, referring also to FIFA President Sepp Blatter’s recent suggestion that continental allocation of the Ex-Co seats could be changed.

Man Utd Reveals Record 3rd Quarter Revenue

Manchester United is crediting its record third quarter revenue of $143 million to a 52.2 percent increase in sponsorship income, among other key factors.

Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization also increased 22.5 percent to a high of $39 million.

"Each of our three primary sectors – Commercial, Broadcasting and Matchday – delivered strong top-line gains and helped us achieve a record third quarter," Executive Vice Chairman Ed Woodward said Thursday in a statement accompanying the release of the club’s financial results for the three and nine month periods ended March 31, 2013.

"In addition, we are delighted to be continuing and deepening our relationship with Aon, as our new Training Kit, Training Centre and Tour Partner, for an additional eight years," he added.

Written by Matthew Grayson.

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