FIFA Election: 7 Candidates Confirmed

The 2015 FIFA presidential election is scheduled hold amidst significant controversy and scandal within the organization. FIFA, the governing body of world football, is facing intense scrutiny and criticism due to widespread allegations of corruption. The scheduled election has seen a critical juncture for FIFA, with many calling for reforms and a change in leadership to restore the organization's credibility.

The world football governing body, FIFA, confirmed seven candidates for the election scheduled for February 26th, 2015. The candidates included:

1. Sepp Blatter:

   • The incumbent president, having held the position since 1998.
   • Despite the controversies, Blatter has strong support from many national football associations, especially in Africa and Asia.
   • His tenure was marked by both expansion of FIFA's global reach and numerous corruption scandals.

2. Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein:

   • FIFA Vice President and a member of the Jordanian royal family.
   • Advocated for greater transparency and reform within FIFA.
   • Seen as a reformist candidate aiming to bring change to the organization's governance.

3. Luis Figo:

   • Former Portuguese international footballer and Ballon d'Or winner.
   • Focused on the need for transparency and better governance.
   • Proposed increasing the number of teams in the World Cup and providing greater support for smaller football nations.

4. Michael van Praag:

   • President of the Dutch Football Association (KNVB).
   • Vocal critic of Blatter's leadership.
   • Emphasized the need for reform and a return to the core values of football.

5. David Ginola:

   • Former French international footballer.
   • His candidacy was seen as more of a publicity stunt, backed by a betting company.
   • Lack significant support from national football associations.

6. Jérôme Champagne:

   • Former FIFA executive and advisor to Sepp Blatter.
   • Propose comprehensive reforms including greater financial transparency and more democratic decision-making processes.
   • Struggle to gain widespread support among FIFA members.

7. Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa:

   • President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
   • Entered the race later and had strong backing from many Asian football associations.
   • Known for his administrative skills but also face criticism for human rights issues in his home country, Bahrain.

Election Process

The FIFA presidential election require candidates to receive a majority of votes from the 209 member associations. If no candidate received a majority in the first round, a second round would be held, and so on, until a candidate achieved the necessary majority. 

David Nakhid Trinidadian ex-footballer was not included on the list, though David said he submitted his candidacy for the election.

The election is to find a replacement for Sepp Blatter who is suspended for criminal investigation. Joseph "Sepp" Blatter, 79,  is a Swiss football administrator who has served as the eighth president of FIFA since June 1998.

Nigeria's Segun Odegbmi and Formal Abia state Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, also signaled interest to run, But the final list now shows that no Nigerian is on the list.

The election is highly anticipated due to the ongoing controversies and corruption scandals surrounding FIFA. Sepp Blatter is a controversial figure, with many calling for significant reforms within the organization.

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