UEFA president Michel Platini has endorsed Prince Ali bin al-Hussein in the FIFA presidential election, saying incumbent Sepp Blatter is clinging to power as he fears a life of 'emptiness' if forced out.
Prince Ali is the last remaining challenger to 79-year-old Blatter, who is seeking a fifth four-year term in office despite saying his current term would be his last when elected in 2011.
Platini, once a Blatter supporter and possible successor, told French sports newspaper L'Equipe Blatter's claims that he needed a further term to complete his vision were "not credible".
"No, he is simply afraid of what is next because he has dedicated his life to FIFA," Platini said. "I understand the fear of emptiness that he must have as he is human. But if he really loves FIFA, he should put it before himself.
"While he remains in office, whether he likes it or not, whether it is just or not, FIFA will have a credibility problem and thus a problem of authority."
Blatter faced a number of challengers in this election, but while the candidacy of David Ginola proved to be a gimmick, those of Dutch FA president Michael van Praag and former Portugal international Luis Figo failed to gain significant support, and both men pulled out last week with supporters gravitating to Prince Ali as the only alternative to Blatter.
Platini, who cannot vote in the election which is open to the 209 national federations, gave his backing to the 39-year-old Jordanian.
"I am convinced that Ali, who I have known personally for many years, can make a great president of FIFA," Platini said. "He has all the qualities. He has of course great passion for soccer and FIFA. He brings legitimacy, he has been president of a national federation for 15 years, a member of the executive committee of his confederation and a vice president of FIFA.
"He knows completely the workings of the institution without yet having had time to be crushed or deformed by them, and he has resisted that because he has great freedom of spirit and independence."
Platini said he has nothing personal against Blatter, who he helped gain election in 1998.
"He is a man that I like and respect," Platini said. "We have enjoyed great times that cannot be erased. He did some very good things and made good decisions at difficult times. This is why I would never attack him. But after a while you cannot simply hold on to the throne at any cost."
Source: PA
