BFA backs �lacklustre� Sexwale
Mqondisi Dube | Wednesday January 27, 2016 14:46
Sexwale is among five candidates vying for the top post, but the South African has been criticised by his country’s football association, SAFA for running a ‘lacklustre’ campaign. Other candidates are Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa, Gianni Infantino and Jerome Champagne. According to South African media reports, Sexwale was urged by his own national governing body to explain his lacklustre FIFA election campaign.
The winner would replace former strongman, Sepp Blatter whose glittering stay at the top was stained by wide ranging claims of corruption. Blatter, along with critic and UEFA president, Michel Platini were slapped with lengthy suspensions from football activities for their involvement in alleged graft.
“The BFA executive committee took a common position on the FIFA presidential candidate. However, I am not at liberty to disclose the preferred candidate. You would rather contact the (BFA) president,” BFA chief executive officer, Kitso Kemoeng said yesterday.
Sebego confirmed that the BFA has agreed to back the South African businessman, but said they were waiting for feedback from the government.
“We are proceeding gingerly on the issue. As the executive we are inclined towards South Africa, but as you know the government is a critical stakeholder, so we want to hear what they say,” Sebego said. Asked why BFA backs Sexwale’s campaign, which has been questioned by his own association, Sebego said the former minister made a presentation during December’s COSAFA meeting.
“We had the benefit of listening to all candidates’ presentations to hear what they offer. Probably the campaign is not going according to SAFA’s expectation, but we had the benefit of listening to his presentation. However, it (decision) is not conclusive,” Sebego said.
The BFA president is the only one who would cast his vote during the election.