Agent Mino Raiola ‘confirms’ his candidacy for the FIFA Presidency by slamming the ‘Freemasons’ of the institution and ‘power junkie’ Sepp Blatter.
The representative of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Mario Balotelli and Paul Pogba among others today declared that he would like to stand in elections to lead the game’s governing body.
Agent Mino Raiola ‘confirms’ his candidacy for the FIFA Presidency by slamming the ‘Freemasons’ of the institution and ‘power junkie’ Sepp Blatter.
The representative of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Mario Balotelli and Paul Pogba among others today declared that he would like to stand in elections to lead the game’s governing body.
On from those original statements, the agent has reinforced his stance in quotes reported by Sky Sport Italia.
“I confirm my candidacy to the FIFA Presidency,” Raiola has said. “It isn't easy though, and I don't know if it's something that can be done.
“Challenging a system of Freemasons like that of FIFA is no simple task, but I'll try.
“I'm not interested in the question of who's going to vote for me, but those who vote for [current President] Blatter ought to be ashamed and should explain their decision. In 30 years he hasn't done a thing, he's just a junkie addicted to power.
“My few friends in football wanted to talk me out of my decision. I think it's shameful that none of the possible candidates should run for the position, when they all know what's going on in the world of football. Things can't go on like this.”
The Italian intermediary was asked how he aspired to change the world of football, and he responded with one of his usual colourful images.
“I want to pass from North Korea to South Korea, if you see what I mean. I'd make everything transparent. I'd like to get rid of the executive President, I'd rather have something like a President with a governing board supported by four professionals.
“I absolutely wouldn't leave the position of agent, on the first day I'd change the rules taking power away from the FIFA President and putting it into the hands of professionals.
“I want to change FIFA profoundly, right now it just seems like a money-making factory. Arranging the World Cup in Africa or in Brazil and telling them: ‘You can take care of all the investment, we're just going to profit from it and then go live it up in tax-free Switzerland’, is not correct.”
Raiola was asked whether keeping his position as an agent might not raise a conflict of interests.
“By that logic, [UEFA President Michel] Platini should fall under suspicion if France were favoured in a match.
“As for goal-line technology, these are questions and answers that must be provided by the federations.
“It shouldn't depend on FIFA. I'm in favour of technology. If I were the President I'd arrange for a democratic vote to set the institution's official stance. I don't think it's fair that the President should single-handedly decide the Federation's stance.”