Africa could hold key as FIFA rivals make last pitches

(Agencies) Updated: 2016-02-26 09:05

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Africa could hold key as FIFA rivals make last pitches

FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali Al Hussein of Jordan listens to journalists after his visit to the CONCACAF meeting in Zurich, Switzerland February 25, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

"The world is waiting and watching - this is the biggest milestone in the history of FIFA. It will decide if FIFA goes ahead as we want or if it spirals down," Prince Ali told delegates.

South Africa's Tokyo Sexwale described FIFA as "broken" and a damaged brand, though he also referred to some of those felled in the scandal as "friends we have lost".

Infantino repeated his promise to offer each of FIFA's members $5 million to invest in the sport over four years, more than doubling the $2.05 million each federation got from 2011-14. He said this could be achieved "easily" by tackling the cost structure of FIFA.

Bahrain's Salman, who along with Infantino is seen as a front-runner, was more cautious, speaking of a 'realistic' increase in funding.

"For me, if the numbers are right, we can increase - but I am not ready to mortgage FIFA's future in winning an election."

French outsider Jerome Champagne took a shot at Infantino's globe-trotting campaign by saying the election had been "unbalanced".

"I did not have a private jet to visit you, take a photo and then tweet and say I have got the endorsement," he said to laughter from delegates.