Maradona to support Prince Ali's FIFA bid

AMMAN — Argentina's Diego Maradona is supporting HRH Prince Ali's bid for FIFA presidency, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported on Saturday.

The former footballer said he will discuss the most significant issues related to FIFA with Prince Ali, especially the importance of making comprehensive change in the work of football's governing body, Petra said, quoting CNN Arabic website.

Maradona said he has been following the reforms introduced by Prince Ali to football in the region, expressing his desire to support the prince in leading change in FIFA.

The football legend said he will travel to several countries in the coming weeks to support Prince Ali in his campaign, Petra reported.

Michael van Praag of the Netherlands, former FIFA official Jerome Champagne and former Portugal forward Luis Figo are also due to challenge incumbent Sepp Blatter at the May 29 FIFA presidential election.

In a statement released earlier this year, Prince Ali, FIFA vice president for Asia and president of the Jordan Football Association, said his vision for FIFA reform addresses three primary goals: restoring the football authority’s credibility; serving football, protecting the game neutralising threats; and developing the game globally.

Earlier this month, Bahrain and Brunei said they are supporting Prince Ali's bid for presidency.