Football
ESPN staff 9y

Sir Alex Ferguson tips David Gill to take over from Sepp Blatter at FIFA

Sir Alex Ferguson believes former Manchester United chief executive David Gill is the man to rebuild FIFA.

Gill is a current vice-president, and refused to attend the FIFA Executive Committee meeting the day after Sepp Blatter was re-elected president.

But now Blatter has announced his intention to step down as the head of world football's governing body is engulfed in a corruption scandal, and Ferguson thinks Gill could use his expertise to lead reforms.

He told The Sun: "David's just what's needed to repair the damage done to world football with the recent allegations of bribery and corruption. Without question he is the best football administrator in Britain.

"He is honest, straightforward and has a vast knowledge of football. These are qualities which are alien to FIFA just now. He is also extremely eloquent and has a great presence.

"I certainly benefited from his efficiency, working alongside him at Manchester United for nearly 20 years. We were a great team."

Gill, 57, is reluctant to put himself forward as a candidate for the new president. The election could take place before the end of the year, with Dec. 16 looking a likely option.

FIFA said an extraordinary meeting of its Executive Committee will take place in July, when the decision on the date of a Congress to hold the presidential election will be taken.

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