ZURICH: UEFA president Michel Platini has congratulated Prince Ali bin Al Hussein on his campaign for the FIFA presidency which saw Sepp Blatter denied a first-round knockout.

Platini was deeply in the discussions which took place on the floor of Congress after the announcement of the first round result in which Prince Ali claimed 73 votes compared with Blatter’s 133.

The European federation president said: “I am proud that UEFA has defended and supported a movement for change at FIFA – change which is, in my opinion, crucial if this organisation is to regain its credibility.

“I congratulate my friend Prince Ali for his admirable campaign and I take the opportunity to thank all the national associations who supported him.”

Further praise for Prince Ali came from his brother Prince Feisal Al Hussein, President of the Jordan Olympic Committee.

Prince Feisal said: “Prince Ali ran a strong campaign and the manner in which it was conducted has done Jordan proud.

“My brother has done an excellent job for many years in Jordan as president of the Jordan Football Association and internationally through his roles with FIFA and the AFC, and his campaign has made the world sit up and take notice of the part he can play in the future development of the game.

“At the same time I would like to congratulate Sepp Blatter on his re-election and wish him well on what are sure to be difficult challenges for FIFA during his term.”

Prince Feisal, like Blatter, is a member of the International Olympic Committee.

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