Football
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Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein says Michel Platini 'not good for FIFA'

Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein said on Wednesday that Michel Platini's candidacy to lead football's governing body is 'not good for FIFA' and that 'football's fans and players deserve better.'

Prince Ali, who lost out in the previous FIFA presidential vote in May to current president Sepp Blatter and has not yet announced whether he will run for the top spot in elections slated for Feb. 26, 2016, criticised the UEFA chief's candidacy as more of the same. 

"FIFA is engulfed in scandal,'' the prince said in a statement. "We must stop doing business as usual. The practice of back-room, under-the-table deals must end.''

The Jordanian prince, whose FIFA vice presidency expired on May 29, said he would talk with FIFA member federations "in the coming week.''

"What is clear is that FIFA needs new, independent leadership, untainted by the practices of the past,'' said Prince Ali, who was maneuvered out of his FIFA seat by Asian football leaders after a single four-year term.

Prince Ali was publicly supported by Platini two months ago, but Blatter had pockets of support across Europe in a 133-73 victory. Platini met the prince in the south of France last week and discussed the FIFA election. 

The U.S. Soccer Federation was among the five FIFA members which nominated Prince Ali to challenge Blatter two months ago. 

Sepp Blatter has held the FIFA presidency since 1998, but he announced in June that he was resigning just days after being re-elected amid the corruption scandal that has engulfed world football's governing body.

Blatter will be replaced at an election on Feb. 26 and any candidates must confirm their intention to stand by Oct. 26.

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