FIFA presidential hopeful vows more 'balance'

Former Trinidad and Tobago captain David Nakhid said Thursday that he advocates a less European-dominated FIFA, one day after he officially entered the running to become president of football's scandal-plagued governing body.

Nakhid, 51, whose playing career included spells in Switzerland and Belgium, became the third official presidential candidate after Michel Platini and Prince Ali bin al Hussein of Jordan.

"Restoring FIFA's image in the eyes of footballers and fans and taking it back to the best of its founding principles is a very big priority for me," he told AFP in a written response.

"I am not 'royalty' with all its attendant benefits and entitlements," he added in reference to his Jordanian rival, saying that he had played football at all levels and describing himself as "the poster boy for opportunity for all the little boys and girls in far-flung corners of the world."

"I understand the game and I have a vision to deepen the involvement of the 85 percent of the football world that is also a part of FIFA, which is presently dominated by Europe," he added.

"A Nakhid-led FIFA will address these imbalances."

Nakhid said he did not want to "destroy" FIFA: "My main focus is one of rectitude. With all the confusion, I believe it's important to defend FIFA for football and its millions of fans around the world."

"I cannot be reckless. I am committed to transformation that is fair and even-handed and will deal with all or any breaches and improprieties," he said.
Source: AFP