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 The election to replace departing leader Sepp Blatter is currently
scheduled for Feb. 26 but FIFA is discussing delaying it with its
executive committee holding a crisis meeting on Sunday at its
headquarters in Zurich.
Blatter and UEFA boss Michel Platini, who also hopes to take the top
job, were suspended by FIFA's Ethics Committee last week. FIFA is
engulfed by corruption claims and facing criminal investigations in
Switzerland and the United States.
"This time of crisis at FIFA is an opportunity for positive change,"
Prince Ali said in a statement. "Many good ideas have emerged in the
current discussion over FIFA's future.
"A better future will only come if ideas turn into action -- and
that will only happen if FIFA has the right leadership.
"I am confident that FIFA can emerge from this difficult period with
its reputation restored and become an organization that is once
again viewed with respect."
A 2011 payment of two million Swiss francs ($2.1 million) from FIFA
to Frenchman Platini is part of a Swiss criminal investigation into
Blatter, according to Swiss judicial authorities.
UEFA boss Platini has said the payment was for his work under
contract for FIFA as an advisor to Swiss-born Blatter between 1999
and 2002, and the nine-year payment delay was due to FIFA's
financial situation. Both men have denied any wrongdoing.
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A delay in the election of a new president would give Platini more
time to appeal against his 90-day provisional ban and stay in the
race for the presidency. The ban, together with a possible 45-day
extension and the length of any appeals process, are seen as major
obstacles to his campaign.
Without Platini in the field, Ali's chances of winning could rise
significantly. As it stands, the deadline for nominations is Oct. 26
and prospective candidates face a FIFA integrity check.
The prince, supported at the time by Platini, lost to Blatter in
May's presidential election. But Blatter announced four days later
that he would lay down his mandate as the corruption crisis engulfed
FIFA.
(Writing by Sudipto Ganguly in Mumbai; Editing by Toby Chopra)
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