FIFA Presidential Elections: Jordan's Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein To Run

Jordan's Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, who lost the FIFA presidency elections to Joseph “Sepp” Blatter in May, formally submitted his candidacy for the organization's forthcoming elections Thursday. Prince Ali vowed to restore the governing body’s image if elected, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

"This time of crisis at FIFA is an opportunity for positive change," Prince Ali said in a statement, according to Reuters. "Many good ideas have emerged in the current discussion over FIFA's future. A better future will only come if ideas turn into action -- and that will only happen if FIFA has the right leadership,” the 39-year-old added.

According to AP, Prince Ali did not name the five nominators who supported him ahead of the Oct. 26 deadline for candidates. "I am confident that FIFA can emerge from this difficult period with its reputation restored and become an organization that is once again viewed with respect," he said.

In May, Blatter was reelected FIFA president for the fifth time despite being embroiled in a corruption scandal that shook the soccer governing body. But, on Oct. 8, a FIFA ethics regulator suspended Blatter for 90 days after his name cropped up in a Swiss corruption case. The ban effectively ended Blatter’s 17-year reign.

The FIFA presidential elections are scheduled for Feb. 26, 2016. However, the governing body was in discussions to push the elections further with its executive committee holding a crisis meeting Sunday at its headquarters in Zurich, according to Reuters.

As per FIFA’s rules of succession, Issa Hayatou, the leader of the African soccer governing body, will serve as the association's acting president as he is currently the most senior vice president at FIFA.