Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa made his election-platform clear today: “I don’t want to be the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) president.”
He is focused on Friday’s AFC Congress meeting to win the post of FIFA Executive Committee Member (West Asia).
Sheikh Salman, the president of the Bahrain FA and a member of the Bahraini royal family, takes on the incumbent, Mohamed bin Hammam of Qatar, who is also the AFC president.
“I want to bring about a bigger voice for Asia on the global platform and at the same time, I want change for Asian football,” he said in his first press conference at The Ritz Carlton Hotel in Kuala Lumpur today.
“Asia for Change” is his motto - and while it may not have the same resonance as “Yes We Can” – he is happy to draw parallels between his campaign and Barack Obama's march to the White House last November.
He is “very optimistic” of his chances and when asked about the AFC presidency, he said: “I don’t want to be the president. It is up to the AFC family to choose the president.”
If Hammam loses Friday’s election, he has pledged to step down as the continental body's president. The Qatari has held the FIFA seat for 13 years and has led Asian football since 2002.
Sheikh Salman said: “Whether I’m here or not, it is time for Asia for Change. The recent election campaign is a very strong signal that many in the AFC family are not happy.
“The voices of Asia must be heard. Asia is right now divided because of the growing unhappiness. There must be freedom of speech for the betterment of Asian football.”
He emphasised on “transparency” in every facet of Asian football management, something sorely lacking during the reign of Hammam.
"What we want is for everyone, all associations, to have their say and to express their opinions with absolute freedom," said Sheikh Salman.
"We want to promote equality among member associations, transparency within the AFC organisation, with an emphasis on transparency in reporting AFC finances, and promoting unity for the development of Asian football.”
The mud-slinging during the recent campaign had created an unhealthy atmosphere among the 46-member countries, something unprecedented in the world’s largest continent.
Just a few months ago, Sheikh Salman was not very well-known outside the Gulf region, contended to serve in relatively low profile role on the FIFA and AFC Disciplinary Committees, in addition to his duties with his national association.
But in the recent lead-up to Friday’s crucial elections, he has been flying back and forth across the region, visiting more than 20 countries, who believes it is time for “Asia For Change”.
He said: "I am confident of the democratic process of the AFC Congress. More so, I am more assured of my ability and my chances are better than my opponent in the battle for several reasons.
"I did not prevent any of the Asian members from voting, I did not create laws to try and prevent others who have the right to vote from doing so, I did not interfere in the affairs of others.
"So let us now focus on the battle and see what we can sincerely do for the betterment of Asian football."
He is focused on Friday’s AFC Congress meeting to win the post of FIFA Executive Committee Member (West Asia).
Sheikh Salman, the president of the Bahrain FA and a member of the Bahraini royal family, takes on the incumbent, Mohamed bin Hammam of Qatar, who is also the AFC president.
“I want to bring about a bigger voice for Asia on the global platform and at the same time, I want change for Asian football,” he said in his first press conference at The Ritz Carlton Hotel in Kuala Lumpur today.
“Asia for Change” is his motto - and while it may not have the same resonance as “Yes We Can” – he is happy to draw parallels between his campaign and Barack Obama's march to the White House last November.
He is “very optimistic” of his chances and when asked about the AFC presidency, he said: “I don’t want to be the president. It is up to the AFC family to choose the president.”
If Hammam loses Friday’s election, he has pledged to step down as the continental body's president. The Qatari has held the FIFA seat for 13 years and has led Asian football since 2002.
Sheikh Salman said: “Whether I’m here or not, it is time for Asia for Change. The recent election campaign is a very strong signal that many in the AFC family are not happy.
“The voices of Asia must be heard. Asia is right now divided because of the growing unhappiness. There must be freedom of speech for the betterment of Asian football.”
He emphasised on “transparency” in every facet of Asian football management, something sorely lacking during the reign of Hammam.
"What we want is for everyone, all associations, to have their say and to express their opinions with absolute freedom," said Sheikh Salman.
"We want to promote equality among member associations, transparency within the AFC organisation, with an emphasis on transparency in reporting AFC finances, and promoting unity for the development of Asian football.”
The mud-slinging during the recent campaign had created an unhealthy atmosphere among the 46-member countries, something unprecedented in the world’s largest continent.
Just a few months ago, Sheikh Salman was not very well-known outside the Gulf region, contended to serve in relatively low profile role on the FIFA and AFC Disciplinary Committees, in addition to his duties with his national association.
But in the recent lead-up to Friday’s crucial elections, he has been flying back and forth across the region, visiting more than 20 countries, who believes it is time for “Asia For Change”.
He said: "I am confident of the democratic process of the AFC Congress. More so, I am more assured of my ability and my chances are better than my opponent in the battle for several reasons.
"I did not prevent any of the Asian members from voting, I did not create laws to try and prevent others who have the right to vote from doing so, I did not interfere in the affairs of others.
"So let us now focus on the battle and see what we can sincerely do for the betterment of Asian football."
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