Sexwale stays in FIFA race

Zurich - South African tycoon Tokyo Sexwale insisted on Thursday that he is staying in the race for the presidency of troubled FIFA despite doubts over his campaign.

"In the first place, I am here, despite obstacles," the businessman and politician told reporters as he arrived at a special meeting of the CONCACAF North and Central American confederation in Zurich ahead of Friday's vote.

Sexwale, 62, described himself "as a fighter, as somebody who dies wearing his boots".

"We are here about FIFA. FIFA is a house broken and needs to be repaired. you will hear more tomorrow when I speak," he said.

Sexwale's low-key campaign has been criticised in South Africa and the Confederation of African Football has called on its members to back Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al Khalifa. The South African has fuelled speculation of a possible withdrawal by saying he is open to "alliances".

Sexwale, Sheikh Salman, UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino, former FIFA vice president Prince Ali bin al Hussein and former FIFA official Jerome Champagne are contesting the election.