The deadline for candidates interested in vying for the FIFA Presidency billed for next year ended 12: 00 midnight Monday with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) divided over which of her African candidates to back.
As at yesterday night only two African cadidates namely Musa Bility (president of the Liberian federation) and Tokyo Sexwale (South African businessman), showed interest.
At the CAF meeting held in Cairo and monitored in Lagos, the soccer ruling body was not definite on which of the two candidates to back as the decision was deadlocked. It was also not clear if the candidacy of former Nigeria international Segun Odegbami was accepted at the meeting.
Meanwhile, One of Nigeria’s aspiring candidates, former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu has announced that he is dropping his FIFA presidential bid.
Kalu commended football stakeholders across the world who wanted him to contest for the plum job of FIFA president, even as he did not submit a formal bid.
Kalu, while acknowledging the support of President Muhammadu Buhari and other African Presidents noted that sports is a unifying force among Africans.
In a statement signed by his Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi on Monday, Kalu said: “Considering the economic challenges facing Nigeria, I have decided to focus my attention and resources on my business and humanitarian activities.
I strongly believe the FIFA presidency is all about service, but I would rather continue my contributions to the economy of the continent by creating employment opportunities and wealth for Africans.
“As a football enthusiast, I remain committed and passionate to the advancement of sports especially in Africa”, Kalu declared.
