Fifa hopeful Prince Ali takes dig at rival Michel Platini

Prince Ali of Jordan has announced he will run again for the Fifa presidency next year and threw down the gauntlet to his rivals, including Michel Platini, by claiming they “didn’t have the guts” to challenge Sepp Blatter.

The prince, who lost May’s election to Blatter by 130 votes to 73, made the announcement in Jordan. He will face opposition from Uefa president Platini, who supported him in the last campaign but is now the favourite to succeed Blatter, in the election on February 26. Former Brazil star Zico has also declared his intention to run.

Ali, son of the late King Hussein of Jordan, has said Platini represents ’old Fifa’ as he is a former protege of Blatter’s. His speech also made pointed remarks that others had been afraid to challenge Blatter who is stepping down after 17 years at the helm.