HRH Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein of Jordan has announced that he will stand for the presidency of FIFA, in a bid that could bring Sepp Blatter’s 17 year reign to an end.

“This was not an easy decision,” Prince Ali said in a statement. 

“It came after careful consideration and many discussions with respected FIFA colleagues over the last few months.”

His decision comes soon after the culmination of FIFA’s investigations into allegations of corruption in its bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, which failed to identify any culpable wrongdoing and led to the resignation of Michael Garcia, the lawyer hired by FIFA to investigate the allegations. 

Prince Ali has pledged to run a positive campaign and to steer FIFA away from the controversies of recent years.  “The message I heard, over and over, was that it is time for a change. 

“It is time to shift the focus away from administrative controversy and back to sport.”

Prince Ali became vice president of FIFA in 2011. He is also president of the Jordan Football Association and the West Asia Football Federation, which he founded in 2001. 

If elected, Prince Ali would be the first FIFA president from the Asia region and only the second from outside Europe, after Brazil’s Joao Havelange.

At just 39 years old, Prince Ali is a contrasting candidate to FIFA’s 79 year old candidate Sepp Blatter, who announced in September 2014 that he would run for a fifth term. 

At Soccerex Global Convention in September, Prince Ali spoke out in favour of time limits for presidential terms 

Blatter is a formidable opponent who has weathered many a storm without any apparent loss to his power or personal reputation. 

The only other candidate in the race is Jerome Champagne of France, who also announced he would stand in September 2014. 

The deadline for presidential candidates to come forward is the 29th January. All candidates must be nominated by five FIFA members, of which there are 209. 

The election takes place by secret ballot on May 29th.

The power rental market in Qatar is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 23.3 per cent until 2020, according to research by 6Wresearch.

“Upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022, rising public and private infrastructure, construction of hotels and stadiums and increasing flow of investments in the country are exhibited to fuel the growth of Qatar’s power rental market,” the researchers said.

The majority of this growth will be accounted for by diesel gensets, but environmental concerns and the local abundance of natural gas will also drive growth in non-diesel gensets. Gas generators are expected to rise in prominence. 

International suppliers such as Aggreko, RSS, JTC, Byrne Investments, Hertz are cited as key players in the Qatar power rental market, alongside domestic players such as Qatar Building Co., Al Reyami and Qatar Industrial Equipment.

American multinational Cat Entertainment Services is another big player in major event power generation with the potential to tap into the growing market in Qatar.

More than US$200bn is being invested in infrastructure developments in the run up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. 

The temporary power supply industry is in huge demand on projects such as Lusail City, the Doha Metro Rail, construction of expressways, hotels and other facilities, as well as nine new stadiums and major renovations to three existing stadiums. 

Qatar has the economy and the infrastructural capability to host the FIFA World Cup, but needs to address the issue of the weather and impose its individuality to create an outstanding event in 2022, according to three of the biggest names in Italian football.

"The first feeling that Qatar gives is that this is a set of people who have everything. They have great potential to host an event of such high calibre," Gianluigi Buffon, captain of Juventus said at a press conference before the Supercoppa match between Napoli and Juventus in Doha on Saturday.

"Considering the economic potential and facilities here, the World Cup will be a positive event for this country. They have all the ingredients to make it a successful event."

Christian Maggio, the Napoli right back added "Since the first day of our arrival in Qatar we have been amazed by the infrastructure. It is beautiful. It is an indicator that this city wants to provide something extraordinary.

"Qatar will be ready for the World Cup. There is care taken about even the smallest of details. And definitely Qatar will be ready to host an international event of such a huge stature."

This is not the first time a major international footballer has backed Qatar to host a world class event in 2022. In May 2014, Yaya Toure of Ivory Coast was impressed by a presentation by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.

Napoli coach Rafael Benitez, who has reportedly been offered a role coaching Qatar’s national team, said "Working with football people here in Qatar is a great pleasure. They have the best of facilities. And utilizing these facilities is something that Napoli and other teams should think about."

Buffon, who was for many years regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world, also spoke positively about the developing football culture in Qatar. "We were warmly received here. Many people, including myself, didn’t know that Juventus will have such a huge following in Qatar."

Speaking at a time when Qatar's right to host the World Cup is being called into question, he hinted that a non-judgemental attitude helps to build understanding. "If you don’t go about your life in a particular way then you don’t get the love of the people."

Nonetheless, the host nation still needs to work on its footballing identity and communicate its vision to the world. 

"In the years ahead of the event, Qatar should find ways to make the event more romantic," said Buffon. "And I hope that it can be done and that will make the Qatar edition stand out from the rest of the world."

The biggest issue Qatar faces in hosting the World Cup is the hardest to control. "Of course I think that we need to play in the right weather so that the players can have the best conditions to display their skills. And also for the fans. They tend to move from one place to another. So we expect there will be the question of weather."

The Chinese Olympic Committee on Sunday confirmed the passing of IOC Honorary Member He Zhenliang.

An astute politician and diplomat, He played a pivotal role in returning China to the Olympic movement and also attracting the Olympic Games to Beijing. His great achievements earned him the moniker “Mr. Olympics” in China.

“The Olympic Movement has lost one of its most fervent ambassadors,” said IOC president Bach.

Before serving as IOC honorary member, He was IOC member from 1981 until 2010. He also served on the IOC executive board for three four-year periods and as IOC vice president from 1989 to 1993.

"China's current major-member status in the IOC is inseparable from He's hard work for decades,” Wei Jizhong, former secretary-general of the Chinese Olympic Committee told China Daily on Sunday. 

He played a vital part in helping Beijing win the right to host the Summer Olympic Games as an executive on the Beijing 2000 and 2008 bid committees.

Jizhong recalled He’s disappointment when Beijing missed out on 2000 by just two votes, telling China Daily "He said he felt he had let his country and people down, while in fact he'd done what he could to the utmost.”

The highlight of He’s career came at the 112th IOC session when Beijing’s bid committee won the host city election for 2008 under his leadership. 

In an interview with HOST CITY magazine published on the eve of the Olympic Games in 2008, He said: “The Olympic Games will help the world better understand China and vice versa. 

“If we can achieve such a goal through the Olympic Games, then the Games will not only leave its mark in the development history of China, in particular it will shine as a significant milestone in our diplomatic history. It will also be a symbolic major event in the history of international relations.”

These goals were certainly achieved, with the Beijing Games showcasing China to the world at a time of unprecedented economic growth.

IOC president Thomas Bach said “He was a man of culture and art. He was a true advocate of the social values of sport and of our Movement and I would like to pay tribute to the passion and energy he deployed over the years to fulfil his mission as an IOC Member in China. 

“He also helped our Movement better understand his country, its people and outstanding culture.”

Speaking to HOST CITY in 2008 about the impact of hosting the Games, He acknowledged the improvements to infrastructure and material wealth in Beijing, but said that more valuable benefit was the cultural impact of the humanistic values of Olympism in China. 

“The Olympic Games bestows hope and enlightenment to the world,” he told HOST CITY. “We need to make concerted efforts to build a bridge of tolerance, understanding, respect and friendly coexistence across different places, races, religions and ideologies.”

A keen sportsman, Mr He enjoyed swimming, playing table tennis, tennis, football, basketball and golf. A champion of sport and Olympic values in school curricula, He told HOST CITY his long term aspiration was for a greater role for sports within education in China. 

He’s other roles within the IOC included Chairman of the Cultural Commission (1995-1999), Chairman (2000-2009) and then Honorary Member  (2009-2015) of the Commission for Culture and Olympic Education, Vice-Chairman of the Sport for All Commission (1985-1987), and member of a number of other Commissions including the IOC 2000 reforms. 

He served as deputy secretary general of the Chinese Gymnastics Association, secretary general of the Chinese Table Tennis Association, deputy secretary general of the All-China Sports Federation and president of Chinese Olympic Committee.

The Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games Bid Committee also mourned He’s passing, praising his contributions to the Olympic Movement in China. The bid committee said it will endeavour to win the right to host the 2022 Games as a tribute to He.

2014 was full of questions about Rio’s readiness to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games but, according to International Paralympic Committee (IPC) president Sir Philip Craven, people can afford to relax in the knowledge that the city will deliver on time.

“1 January 2015 marks exactly 615 days to go until the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and I can assure you that my excitement is growing by the day,” Sir Craven said in his annual New Year’s message.

“The Organising Committee has done a great deal of work in 2014, most recently highlighted by the successful launch of the Paralympic mascot Tom. I’m also delighted Rio 2016 has formed a Paralympic Integration Committee which is led by IPC Vice President Andrew Parsons.

“The last full year before the Paralympics is always vital and, in 2015, Rio will be staging a number of test events, as well as the Chef de Mission seminar, as their preparations gear up for the final push.

“People are a little more relaxed now they are seeing the venues grow in size each day and I am fully confident everything will be ready for our Games and that Rio will deliver a truly spectacular event. The atmosphere in Rio will be amazing; the Carioca like to party, and I hope Rio 2016 is one big party for the spectators and for the athletes (once they have competed of course!).”

Rio 2016 is of huge importance to the Paralympic movement. 

Speaking on 7 September 2014, two years before the start of the 2016 Paralympic Games, Craven said “Rio 2016 will be South America’s first Paralympic Games opening up a whole new continent to the power of the Paralympic spirit and Paralympic sport.

“I believe the Games can be transformational not just for Rio and Brazil, but the whole of the Americas and the Paralympic Movement.”

Although 2015 is not a Paralympic year, the large number of qualifying championships taking place will make the year one of the IPC’s busiest ever. 

“Arguably the biggest and most important sporting event of the year is August’s Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games which will feature 1,600 athletes from 28 countries competing in 15 sports,” said Sir Philip.

“It is vital that Toronto 2015 is a success and that we leverage the event to generate greater awareness of the Paralympic Movement in the Americas ahead of Rio 2016.”

In his address, Sir Philip also cited the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games as the IPC’s Top Moment of 2014. 

VITAL Communications has been chosen to assist with expanding the Convention’s reach beginning in 2015 with the World Sport & Business Summit in Sochi, Russia.

The SportAccord Convention World Sport & Business Summit is the world’s premier annual event at the service of sport, focused on driving positive change internationally, and dedicated to engaging rights holders, organising committees, cities, press and media, businesses and other organisations in the development of sport.

Nis Hatt, Managing Director, SportAccord Convention said, “Mr. Vitale, an attorney, has more than 35 years’ experience in the television industry, including Executive positions at NBC Television Network and ABC Sports. By collaborating with one of the pioneers of Sportel, we truly strengthen the presence of media providers available to delegates.”

In making the announcement, William Vitale, President of VITAL Communications commented, “I am very excited to be supporting the growth plans of SportAccord Convention. We have a wonderful opportunity to broaden participation and help to make the annual World Sport & Business Summit a must attend event for all sectors of the international sports community.”

Nis Hatt, Managing Director, SportAccord Convention concluded by saying, “As the Convention grows, it is important to encourage involvement and engage with organisations across all industry sectors and having VITAL Communications on-board will ensure a broad representation of media and increased service quality for our delegates.”

SportAccord Convention 2015 will take place 19-24 April 2015 in Sochi, Russia and will be held at the Sochi Expocentre. For more Convention information and to register visit www.sportaccordconvention.com.

Jerome Champagne has publicly attacked speculation that the emergence of Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein as a third candidate for the presidency of FIFA has cast him as the outsider. 

Asked by UK national sports channel BBC Radio 5 Live if he would withdraw in the light of Prince Ali stepping forwards as a candidate, Champagne said "Of course not, I'm the only candidate to present a detailed programme."

Throwing down the gauntlet to Prince Ali, Champagne said "We need to know what is his programme, beyond thundering slogans without any concrete explanations.

"I've been a candidate for a year now, I've a concrete platform, I've exposed everything, it's a question for him: Why is he running? Who has pushed him? What is his ambition?”

Champagne’s reference to being “pushed” could be a reference to Prince Ali’s remark that his decision to stand was the result of discussions with “respected FIFA colleagues”.

Prince Ali only announced his intention on Monday, with a statement that his campaign would be positive, based around steering FIFA away from the administrative controversies that have dogged it for recent years. 

The interview demonstrated that Champagne clearly does not plan to run a positive campaign. 

“Last year he lost the election in Asia, so if you don't have a base in your own region and own continent how can you be expected to be elected at the world level?"

It remains to be seen whether such antagonistic remarks will prompt Ali to adopt a more negative stance and directly address the causes of the controversy of which he speaks – a tactic that could well be divisive within FIFA’s membership, where support for the incumbent president Sepp Blatter is said to remain strong. 

HOST CITY asked for a comment on the leadership race from a FIFA spokesperson, who stated that they would welcome applications from nominated candidates until the 29th January. 

Champagne, recognising that this is a public media campaign as much as internal FIFA election, has also spoken to Sky, saying "We want a fair democratic debate so we need more than one candidate and I hope more candidates will surface.

"I have always been an advocate of a pyramid in football that should be based on democratic principles with more than one candidate."

President Sepp Blatter has also welcomed the fact that other candidates are joining the bid for presidency, saying that it is in line with FIFA's spirit of democracy and discussion.

In an interview with Swiss newspaper Le Matin, Blatter said of Prince Ali stepping forward: "I can only rejoice in this nomination. We are a democracy, and this can only be beneficial for debate.

"And do not they say that win without peril is to triumph without glory?"

Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan has kicked off his bid for the FIFA presidency by telling media that the organisation must become more transparent.

In his first interview since announcing his candidacy, Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein also announced plans to begin a ten year programme of reform, while stating he would not necessarily want to hold the position of president “long term”.

Speaking to the BBC, Prince Ali pointed to weaknesses within the current framework without directly attacking the other candidates Sepp Blatter and Jerome Champagne, in line with his promise to run a positive campaign. 

"Fifa as an organisation tends to be a bit secretive, but we should be confident and happy to be open and engaged with everyone,” Prince Ali said on Saturday. 

Prince Ali was a key figure in the push for FIFA to publish its report into alleged corruption. 

"I was the first to ask for the Garcia report to come out. We should have nothing to hide.

"I don't see a reason to be guarded. We have to bring the administration of sport into the current time we live in. I want to bring back that confidence.

"I believe we should be totally transparent.”

The move to making FIFA more transparent is part of a wider campaign to transform FIFA. 

"Reform is crucial,” he said.

This emphasis on reform has echoes of the recently approved Agenda 2020 programme at the IOC, of which Prince Ali’s older brother Prince Feisal is a member.

"I will look to a 10-year programme for the organisation where everyone is a part of it, and ourselves as the executive committee will implement it.”

In contrast to the lengthy terms served by current president Sepp Blatter and his predecessor Joao Havelange, Prince Ali told the BBC the role is "not something I want to do long term,” adding "A lot of things can happen and I'm confident we can [reform] in quick time."

He plans to build his manifesto through discussions with FIFA members. 

"In the coming months, I will be looking to sit down and talk to all our member associations and listen to them.

"I'm not coming in to dictate. I have my ideas and progress I want to implement, but I have to hear back from my colleagues.” 

Prince Ali’s campaign has been undermined by the assertion on Friday by Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation that all 46 AFC member associations will vote for Blatter.

His ability to run FIFA has also been called into question by his competitor Jerome Champagne, who told the BBC “Last year he lost the election in Asia, so if you don't have a base in your own region and own continent, how can you be expected to be elected at the world level?"

FIFA’s longstanding president Sepp Blatter on Friday welcomed Prince Ali entering the election race, telling Swiss newspaper Le Matin: "I can only rejoice in this nomination. We are a democracy, and this can only be beneficial for debate.

"And do not they say that win without peril is to triumph without glory?"

The president will be elected on 29th May at the FIFA Congress. 

According to the FIFA website, “In the spirit of true democracy, each national association has one vote, regardless of its size or footballing strength.”

The news that HRH Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan is to run for the FIFA presidency in May is a major boost to the importance of the Soccerex Asian Forum, the organisers have said.

The Soccerex Asian Forum takes place on April 14th-15th at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre on the Dead Sea, Jordan.

“The FIFA presidency elections will generate worldwide interest and the Asian Forum represents a final opportunity for senior industry figures from Asia and afar to come together ahead of the elections to engage and discuss the development of the game,” Soccerex said in a press release.

The FIFA vice president for Asia and president of the Jordan Football Association will open the event in his home nation, just weeks before the FIFA presidential elections take place.

“We are hugely honoured and privileged to be working again with His Royal Highness, Prince Ali at our 2015 Asian Forum,” said Soccerex CEO Duncan Revie.

“He is so passionate about the game and his visionary work with the Asian Football Development Project has had significant impact on football and the opportunities it provides throughout Asia. 

“We are proud to be working alongside him, the AFDP and the Jordan Football Association and hope that in some small way the Asian Forum will help contribute towards his efforts to develop football across the continent.”

Prince Ali is the third candidate to step forward for the FIFA presidency, after incumbent Sepp Blatter and former FIFA Executive Jerome Champagne announced their intentions to stand in September. 

He has pledged to transform FIFA into "an International Federation that is a service organization and a model of ethics, transparency and good governance."

Soccerex said: "2014 saw FIFA President Sepp Blatter, CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb, FIFA Vice-President Jim Boyce and Vice-President of the Asian Football Confederation Moya Dodd address delegates at Soccerex events around the world and Prince Ali’s involvement at the opening ceremony of the Asian Forum ensures that 2015 will pick up where 2014 left off.”

For more information about Soccerex Asian Forum please visit http://www.soccerex.com/events/asia/ call +44 (0)20 8987 5522 // email:enquiry@soccerex.com

With one hundred days to go until the Baku 2015 European Games, thirteen stars from the world of music, television and entertainment were announced as ambassadors on Tuesday afternoon. 

The ambassador programme will boost engagement in the event by tapping into the celebrities' fan base, while the massive scale of the European Games will help the stars to build their own following.

“I am delighted to celebrate 150 days to go until the Opening Ceremony of the first European Games with the support of these fantastic celebrities as official ambassadors of the Games,” said Mr Azad Rahimov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports and Chief Executive Officer of Baku 2015.

“I am sure that our celebrity ambassadors will generate great excitement with the young people of Azerbaijan and encourage more people to get involved with the Games.”

The ambassadors include singers Tunzala Aghayeva, Miri Yusif, Roya, and Eurovision winners Eldar Gasimov and Nigar Jamal, comedians Bahram Baghirzade, Rafael and Joshqun, and Tahir and Jabir Imanov, and musician DJ Shock. Well-known presenters Murad Dadashov and Ilkin Hasani will also take part. 

The programme will allow Baku 2015 to reach a range of audiences in Azerbaijan and Europe, using the celebrity ambassadors’ star appeal and popularity to share messages about the event.

 “Whenever I am on stage I give everything to make it a great performance. In June, it will be Azerbaijan putting on an unforgettable show for the whole of Europe to enjoy,” said singer Ms Tunzala Aghayeva at the launch event at the Mugham Center in Baku.

“As a Baku 2015 Celebrity Ambassador I will be working to encourage people to get involved with Baku 2015 through initiatives such as the volunteer programme, and play a part in creating history for our country.”

Participants will help to promote the Games by visiting Baku 2015 venues, taking part in countdown events, supporting campaigns, and using their own social media channels to reach millions of followers.

 “This announcement is the next step in expanding our ambassador programme and continues the great momentum we are generating as we continue our preparations to deliver a spectacular sporting event,” said Simon Clegg, Chief Operating Officer of Baku 2015.

“I would like to thank all of our Celebrity Ambassadors for their support and we look forward to working with them to help promote Baku 2015 in the coming months.”

The Baku 2015 European Games begins on 12 June.