William backs Fifa poll delay call

Sepp Blatter is likely to stand unopposed in the Fifa presidential election
12 April 2012

Prince William is "fully supportive" of the FA's call for Fifa to postpone its presidential election in the light of corruption allegations, Clarence House has said.

The Duke of Cambridge, as FA president, has been kept fully up to date with developments on the eve of the election which will see Sepp Blatter stand unopposed.

William's backing for the FA and the Scottish FA's call comes as more key sponsors have raised concerns about the election.

The FA has accused the world governing body of a "lack of transparency and accountability". Its chairman, David Bernstein, wants Fifa to appoint an independent body to supervise reforms after scandals over the last month have caused a crisis in the world football governing body.

A Clarence House spokesman said: "The Duke of Cambridge, as president, has been kept informed of the FA's proposals and is fully supportive of the chairman and the initiatives the FA has recommended. He considers the transparency of the international governing body to be integral to the good governance of the game."

Asian football chief Mohamed Bin Hammam pulled out of the race against Mr Blatter at the weekend, hours before he was provisionally banned from all football-related activities on bribery charges. Executive committee member Jack Warner has also been suspended from all football-related activity after the Fifa ethics committee said it would launch a "full inquiry" into the bribery allegations.

The developments followed controversy surrounding the legitimacy of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding process.

In a dramatic solo news conference on Monday, Mr Blatter admitted Fifa faces "difficulties" but insisted: "Crisis? What is a crisis? Football is not in a crisis."

Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan said: ""We believe the election should be rescheduled to facilitate a period of consultation to deal with the issues that have arisen in recent weeks. The events of the last two days, in particular, have made any election unworkable.

"The integrity and reputation of the game across the world is paramount and the Scottish FA urges Fifa to reconsider its intentions, and calls on other member associations to consider the long-term implications for the game's image."

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