New Zealand to vote for Prince Ali in FIFA election

ByReuters

Published 29/05/2015 at 05:19 GMT

New Zealand Football will vote for challenger Prince Ali bin Al Hussein in the FIFA presidential election later on Friday, joining a list of national associations switching allegiance away from embattled incumbent Sepp Blatter.

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NZF's decision runs counter to an unanimous commitment from the all 11 nations in the Oceania Football Confederation in January to back Blatter.

"Given the developments in the past 48 hours - which have been deeply distressing for all of us who love football - New Zealand Football believes substantive change is now essential within FIFA as soon as possible to repair its tarnished reputation," NZF President Mark Aspden said in a statement.

"The Executive Committee believes that real change can only be implemented with a new President in place, and accordingly, we have opted to support the election of Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein."

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