Share

Chung launches FIFA presidency bid

Paris - South Korean billionaire Chung Mong-Joon on Monday launched his formal campaign for the FIFA presidency with an outspoken attack on outgoing leader Sepp Blatter and a vow to fix the scandal-tainted world football body in four years.

"Today FIFA is undergoing a profound crisis. Under these circumstances, the FIFA president must be a crisis manager and a reformer," the 63-year-old Chung, a former FIFA vice president, told a press conference in Paris.

"The problem at FIFA is that those mired in corruption, the only thing they are interested in is hiding the corruption," he added.

"The real reason FIFA has become such a corrupt organisation is because the same person (Blatter) has been running it for 40 years. Absolute power corrupts absolutely."

Chung vowed that if successful in an election to be held in February he would serve just one term.

"I can change FIFA in four years. That is my pledge to football fans in the world."

UEFA president Michel Platini and Brazil football legend Zico have also announced they are candidates. Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, another former FIFA vice president from Jordan, is also considering a run.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2247 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE