Diego Maradona Reportedly to Run for FIFA President to Replace Sepp Blatter
Diego Maradona has marked himself as a potential replacement for FIFA president Sepp Blatter, according to Victor Hugo Morales, a long-time associate of the football legend.
The Uruguayan journalist provided news of Maradona's intentions as the world football governing body prepares to elect a new leader. The extraordinary election comes in the wake of investigations by the FBI into alleged corruption within the organisation. With Blatter planning to resign, a new leader is needed.
"He told me he was going to run for president of FIFA and authorised me to inform," said Morales, reported by Reuters (h/t Yahoo). "'I am a candidate' were the words Diego Maradona used to answer me when I consulted him about the nomination for the presidency of FIFA."
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Morales hosted a World Cup show on Venezuelan television station Telesur with the Argentinian last year, noted in the aforementioned report. He also provided memorable commentary of the icon's tremendous solo goal against England during the 1986 World Cup, as seen below:
Maradona allegedly made his intentions clear during a phone call with Morales on Sunday.
As reported by the Press Association (h/t the Guardian), FIFA's next election is set to take place in mid-December, although an official date has yet to be revealed.
Liberia Football Association chairman Musa Bility has announced he will stand for the presidency, reported by Sky News. Brazilian football legend Zico will also run for the top seat.
Prince Ali bin Hussein of Jordan was the man who ran Blatter closest when the latter secured his fifth term in charge of FIFA during May's election. He could stand again, as could previous candidates Luis Figo and Michael van Praag, who both withdrew their respective campaigns before the final numbers were counted.
Although Blatter was unable to secure the majority needed in the first round of voting, Prince Ali conceded defeat ahead of a second vote.
It may be difficult for Maradona to secure the support of five FIFA federations, a pre-requisite for being able to stand for the presidency. He is widely regarded as a footballing genius but someone whose off-field persona is volatile and difficult to judge.
Football writer Cristian Nyari commented on the story:
Since retiring from playing in 1997, Maradona has managed the Argentina national team and United Arab Emirates-based club Al Wasl.
There is arguably no bigger name in football history, so it will be interesting to see exactly how seriously Maradona progresses with his plans to make a difference to the game.
The current investigation into FIFA officials—both past and present—continues to provide new stories on a daily basis. Although Blatter hasn't been indicted, reported by Jonathan Mahler of the New York Times, his reign as FIFA president appears to be coming to an end.
Swiss newspaper Schweiz am Sonntag (h/t Darren Boyle of the MailOnline) reported Blatter was reconsidering his resignation after receiving support from the African and Asian FIFA confederations. However, both confederations have countered this suggestion, per Reuters (h/t the Guardian).
It is the job of Maradona, or another potential candidates, to gain enough support to stop this from ever being a viable option.
