next year's election to replace Joseph Sepp Blatter as President of
World soccer-governing body, FIFA.
Odegbami better known as 'Mathematical', a name given to him in his
active days by late ace sports commentator, Ernest Okonkwo because of
his zig-zag, deceptive, extraordinary dribbling skills and mastery in
outwitting defenders is one of the best players to have played
football in Nigeria and by his decision to join the race for the FIFA
presidency stands out as the first authentic African to aspire to the
position since Blatter agreed to step down as President.
Liberian football chief Musa Bility remains the other African who
showed interest in the Zurich office but his interest was smothered by
Confederation of African Football, CAF, which distanced itself from
his interest.
Chief Segun Odegbami, our source assured yesterday ''has all the
credentials required for the office of the FIFA Presidency'', He
therefore is among a shortlist of declared and likely candidates that
includes the likes of UEFA president Michelle Platini and Prince Ali
bin al Hussein of Jordan.
Candidates have until October 26 to come forward to signify interest.
They must have the confirmed backing of at least five of Fifa's 209
member nations, and be cleared by the world governing body's ethics
committee, to be able to stand.
Our source who urged Nigerians to support the great ambition of
Odegbami added yesterday that his entrance into the race would be a
good omen for Africa noting that many Confederations will queue behind
the Nigerian soccer idol.
''This is a good thing for all Nigerians. Odegbami, beyond playing
football is articulate and has been in football since he retired. He
has an academy and satisfies section one of article 13 of the FIFA
Statutes on such election'', our source said.
The section spells out conditions a candidate for the office of FIFA
President must meet. The article puts it this way:
The candidate shall have played an active role in association football
(as a board member, committee member, referee and assistant referee,
coach, trainer and any other person responsible for technical, medical
or administrative matters in FIFA, a Confederation, Association,
League or Club or as a player) for two of the last five years before
being proposed as a candidate (cf. art. 24 par. 1 of the FIFA
Statutes).
-Vanguard
No comments:
Post a Comment