Jordan’s Prince Seeks FIFA Presidency

Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan announced plans Tuesday to stand as a candidate in this year’s FIFA presidential election, challenging incumbent Sepp Blatter to become the leader of soccer’s governing body. Prince Ali, who now serves as FIFA’s vice president, vowed to run a positive campaign and did not mention Blatter, who has said he will seek a fifth term at the election on May 29 in Zurich. “This was not an easy decision,” Prince Ali said in a one-page statement. “The message I heard, over and over, was that it is time for a change.” FIFA has been hit by a series of scandals in recent years, including bribery allegations in World Cup selections, kickbacks, and World Cup ticket scams. The prince made no mention of which FIFA members will nominate him as a candidate, but five are required to do so before Jan. 29.