By Andrew Warshaw
March 3 – The BBC and Sky have officially invited all four candidates for the FIFA presidential election, including Sepp Blatter, to take part in a political-style live TV debate.
Luis Figo and Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein of Jordan, two of the contenders for Blatter’s crown, have quickly supported the joint initiative but it is understood the veteran present incumbent, who would have little to gain from being grilled by his three opponents, is reluctant to agree.
“The fans deserve to know what the candidates offer for the future,” Figo said in a statement. “For this to work effectively, I believe all four candidates need to participate and I will be writing to the broadcasters to confirm that position.”
English FA chairman Greg Dyke, whose association formally nominated Prince Ali, has offered to host the hour-long debate at Wembley Stadium where, ironically, Figo recently unveiled his manifesto.
Although the May 29 vote is only open to FIFA’s 209 member associations, the two broadcasters have said that the debate will allow the candidates to “communicate directly with fans from around the world.”
The BBC and Sky say there is “significant interest” – Prince Ali has already gone on record as saying he would be willing to take part – but Blatter, bidding for a fifth term as president, has so far apparently not responded.
A Sky statement said such a debate “will present an unprecedented opportunity for the candidates to set out their plans and communicate directly with fans from around the world.”
Fans would be encouraged to provide questions and all four challengers have been promised equal time to present their visions for FIFA’s future.
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