The 3 candidates to oppose the incumbent Sepp Blatter for FIFA presidency almost seem to be a post World Cup formality. Every 4 years a new mixture of idealists, actors and clowns for hire campaign for a new world soccer order. Most every election this grouping loses, and another 4 years of a similarly stale track of corrupt leadership ensues. What a concept, leadership that is stale and corrupt; like a dentist near retirement just hacking away at the numbed patient. Yet, a description of these new candidates is necessary. Do they stand a chance? Do they embody progressive opposition, signaling the hope of tangible change?

1) Luis Figo. An ex-footballer of immense quality and significance. Figo won the Balon d’Or in 2000, set the world record transfer fee in the same year and won FIFA player of the year in 2001. His playing career is of little administrative importance, but certainly leverages his ability to speak about the sport itself and to connect with a world wide audience.

Although a tremendous footballer, Figo has a weak administrative and committee resume. When asked about this his answer leans on his assignment as club ambassador for Internazionale.

Recently releasing his FIFA President Manifesto, an outline of what he plans on addressing and accomplishing if elected to office, his lack of administrative detail was evident. The main points of the manifesto include:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nX7to_bZf3A)

Reverting to an older definition of the offside rule, relinquishing the affect of a player who is not involved in the offensive play.

Structured debate on the integration of technological aids for referees.

The possibility of ‘sin-bins’ for specific types of player infractions for ‘unsporting behavior’

Committing to stop the ‘triple-punishment’ of the awarding of a penalty, sending off the offender with a red card and then punishing the player with a suspension post-act.

Potentially expanding the current 32 team World Cup pool to either 40 or 48 teams.

2) Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein. Holding office as FIFA Vice President representing Asia since early 2011, he is no stranger to the FIFA governing body. Although in apparent opposition to Sepp Blatter and his current reign, if an individual is already embedded in the FIFA wheelhouse is it possible to objectively dissect the administration?

To his credit Prince Ali bin-Hussein has a record of positive change as head of the Jordanian FA and as FIFA Vice President. His mandates have empowered women in Asian football, as he tries to bring Asia to footballing prominence on the world stage.

His opposition to Blatter is focused around the current “culture of intimidation in FIFA” which is based in “fear and ramifications of the smaller FA’s”. Although he has not released his manifesto, intended to speak about how to clean up the current image of FIFA, he has indicated his plan to, prior to the May 29 election. Although he is currently representing Asia as the Vice President of FIFA, Asian officials have been warning Prince Ali bin-Hussein of the ramifications of this inevitably hopeless campaign. The candidate has gained support from the United States and English FA’s, but it seems as though the majority of Asia will stand with Blatter.

3) Michael Van Praag. As another voice from Europe who’s familiar with Blatter’s antics, Van Praag claims that “he likes him [Sepp Blatter] as a person”, but is concerned with his current personification as FIFA president. He claims that his support, via Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Scotland, Romania and the Faroe Islands, represents a large body of diverse trust. “I only want to hold the presidency for a single term of 4 years”, insists Van Praag, harping on the importance of fresh ideas, objectivity and executive responsibility.

Van Praag is most recently the chairman of the Royal Dutch Football Association and has also been a chairman of AFC Ajax, where his legacy was forged.His experience is entirely administrative, besides a stint as a referee in the amateur soccer leagues in the Netherlands, which has not hindered his ability to gain support for prior executive election.Van Praag has announced that he will release his FIFA presidential manifesto to the public through a press conference on Monday, March 2. I will be supplementing this article with a digested opinion of his manifesto after its release. —UPDATE: “Football for Everyone” – Michael Van Praag manifesto —

The election date for FIFA president is close and there are no rumblings of discovered corruption or foul play by these 3 candidates, which is a rarity. There is always the possibility of distasteful versions of political warfare, as the world has witnessed before in previous FIFA presidency elections. But, with the suffocating Blatter regime in power and poised for another 4 years in office, cooperation among candidates is the only path to success.

If the election turns into an isolated, 1v1v1v1 scenario, Blatter will remain as President. Outside of Europe is where the electoral battle is going to be won. 2 of the 3 candidates are from Europe and have strong support for the continent, but outside of Europe is where Blatter is strong. The FA’s in Africa, Asia and the Americas are generally less wealthy and therefore less independently powerful. The only Asian candidate does not even have the backing of his own continent in his opposition.

Can the candidates push personal pride and political ramifications to the side and strategize together? Are the merits spoken about in manifestos and press conferences, by the candidates, motivated by a common goal rather than personal? I’ll keep you posted by supplementing the article with these impending manifestos and press conferences. Good luck, world.