FIFA approves Sepp Blatter, three others as presidential candidates
FIFA announced Monday that it has approved Sepp Blatter and three others as presidential candidates of soccer's governing body, according to the Associated Press.
Blatter, 78, is seeking re-election for a fifth term and is viewed as the overwhelming favorite to win the May 29 election.
Among the other candidates is Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan, which the U.S. Soccer Federation took the notable step of nominating for the position. Last month, Dutch football association president Michael van Praag was the latest to announce his intentions to challenge Blatter for the FIFA presidency. Former Portugal great Luis Figo is the other challenger for the position.
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Former French midfielder David Ginola had also planned to run, but withdrew recently after failing to gain the necessary five nominations.
Under Blatter's leadership, FIFA has come under scrutiny for a lack of transparency, particularly during the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, which were awarded to Russia and Qatar.
- Molly Geary
