Jordanians celebrate Blatter’s resignation, renew support for Prince Ali

AMMAN — Jordanian social media activists took to Twitter and Facebook on Tuesday to rejoice in the news of Sepp Blatter’s resignation as FIFA president, reaffirming their continued support for HRH Prince Ali as an eligible successor.

Within an hour after the news broke out, #Fifa, #AliForFifa, and #BlatterQuits in Arabic were the top three trending Hashtags on Twitter in Jordan.

“Well said ‘better late than never’ #SeppBlatter #FIFA #AliForFifa #Football,” Rusul Arabiyat (@RusulArabiyat) posted on Twitter.

@AnoudObeidat tweeted: “#BlatterOut, feels good to finally see you Mr Sepp literally out of the picture. #AliForFifa.”

“Shame on you Blatter #AliForFifa #BeProud #WeAreAllPrinceAli,” Ahmad Awartani (@AhmAwartani) wrote.

This is the second round of a viral social media campaign which supports Prince Ali’s campaign for the FIFA presidency.

The prince, who heads the Jordan Football Association, was Blatter’s sole challenger in the election that took place last Friday.

Blatter, 79, who was running for a fifth consecutive term, received 133 votes, while Prince Ali garnered 73 votes.

With no two-thirds majority for either candidate, a second round was to be held, but the prince announced his withdrawal before the vote.

Laith Al Nasser (@Laithalnasser) posted: “@AliForFIFA Blatter is no longer FIFA president. Please join the elections again, we predict victory for you & Jordanians #AliForFIFA.”

Al Hassan Abdallat (@HassanAbdallat) agreed.

“We don’t take no for an answer… #AliForFifa #AliForFifaPart2,” he tweeted.

‏Samer Abu Taleb (@SamerAbuT) said: “This had to happen and finally it did! #Blatter steps down as #FIFA #BlatterOut #BlatterResigns #AliForFIFA.”

Facebook users also expressed hope that Prince Ali will be elected as president, on an unofficial page under the name “Prince Ali for FIFA”.

Facebook user Eng Abdalah posted: “Please sir, you are the only qualified one now, please go for FIFA #‎AliForFIFA.” 

Mohammad H. AlTarawneh commented: “We did it... That’s what I’m talking about.. viva viva Jordan.”