Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein Announces Candidacy for FIFA President

Jordan Football Association supremo Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein has announced his intention to once again run for the FIFA presidency.

The member of the Jordanian royal family set out a full manifesto of changes he will implement if he gains power at the governing body.

The prince made an passionate speech on Wednesday confirming his candidacy, per Dan Roan of the BBC:

"

Today, I stand before you and the world. With me are my brothers and sisters of Jordan, the heart of the Arab world and the crossroads of continents, religions, cultures and civilisations.

I stand with the people who love football as I do. People who love justice and fair play. People who know in their hearts the power of the sport to change lives for the better. 

Friends - I stand here in this ancient place in the timeless heart of Amman to once again launch my candidacy for the Presidency of FIFA. 

Let me be clear. I want to finish what we started. 

"

Raad Adayleh/Associated Press

Hussein challenged Sepp Blatter for the position of football's most important job 10 months ago but failed in his endeavours to take control of FIFA, despite years of scandal and rumour within the organisation. 

The prince spoke about the current indiscretions in the administration of football but talked about his love and devotion to the sport, per Roan: "My friends. I am a humble man. I do not seek this position for gain. I believe in a cause. I have seen with my own eyes how Jordanians have overcome some of the greatest adversity to play this sport, and through it find an identity, a living and a future. Above all, they found dignity."

The Jordan FA president then summed his feelings up on social media, asking for widespread support:

Journalist Faizan Lakhani commented on the presidential race, highlighting the prince's credentials:

Football is in dire need of fresh leadership, and Hussein has been on the path toward the sport's highest ranked job for some time.

The prince is the natural electoral rival to UEFA boss Michel Platini. As reported by Reuters (h/t the Guardian), the prince said his opponent is "not good for FIFA."

Prince Ali said in his candidacy speech he wishes to give confederations more autonomy, per Roan, and this will be a vote winner when it comes to choosing who the next president will be.

The power of the Middle East cannot be denied in the game now, with many top sides run by owners from the region, giving Hussein an excellent chance of beating Platini to success.