FIFA Presidential elections are different. So it was probably par for the course that the first candidate out of the traps – and this more than 16 months before any vote – should at once cast doubt on his candidacy by refusing to make clear whether he would stay in the race if the incumbent President decides to run. Indeed, he admitted he did not think he could beat Joseph Blatter, who will mark 16 years in the post at this summer’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil, if he does stand.
So what to make of Monday’s well-attended media event in London at which Jérôme Champagne, a key member of Blatter’s FIFA team until he was ousted four years ago, launched his candidacy to succeed Blatter as FIFA President?