Shaikh Salman wants FIFA to ‘rise from ashes’

Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, who became the bookmaker’s favourite to become the next FIFA president, said that he wanted FIFA to relaunch with a complete organisational overhaul.

The FIFA presidential hopeful wants to see stringent control mechanisms implemented in the organisation. He said he aimed to help FIFA “rise from the ashes”. 

“FIFA today is a genuine Phoenix project: under my leadership, we shall employ all professional means to lift the organisation out of its ashes and guarantee a solid lasting and successful rebirth,” Shaikh Salman, the Asian Football Confederation chief said.

“Nothing short of a complete organisational overhaul and the introduction of stringent control mechanisms will allow us to re-launch FIFA in its entirety. The days of solitary diktats are over. Only determined, honest and forceful action will deliver the kind of environment FIFA needs for its sponsors to consider the organisation that governs world football,” he added.

Bookmaker’s favourite 

Bookmaker William Hill declared Shaikh Salman favourite to land the job. He came ahead of second favourite Prince Ali bin al-Hussein from Jordan. 

UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino, and Joreome Chamagne has also been touted as strong competition. 

The fact that both FIFA President Sepp Blatter and UEFA President Michel Platini were suspended for eight years means Shaikh Salman’s position is further strengthened.