Prince Ali calls for abolition of secret ballot in FIFA elections

Prince Ali’s call came via a post he shared on the X platform, commenting on the ongoing controversy surrounding the proposal to allow private-sector investors to participate in FIFA competitions.

Prince Ali stated, “Amid all the debate surrounding the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), world football is facing a clear leadership crisis ahead of upcoming elections. As someone who has gone through this experience before, I believe there is one step that must be taken immediately: the abolition of secret ballots in FIFA presidential elections.”

He added, “All other decisions, including the selection of the host nation for the World Cup, are now made publicly, except for the presidential election. With a president elected every four years and a council responsible for making all decisions, public voting is the only means by which we, as presidents of national federations, can be held accountable to football fans, officials, and players who have entrusted us with their votes.”

He clarified, “At the same time, it protects each national federation from potential pressure or coercion to make decisions behind closed doors, as has happened in the past. More importantly, public voting will empower each national federation with the strength and independence needed for the most crucial vote we undertake: choosing the leadership of the world’s largest and most prominent sport, and determining its future direction.”