Tokyo Sexwale refuses to give up the FIFA ghost
Tokyo Sexwale headed to Zurich, Switzerland, last night for the final days of his campaign to become Fifa president, saying he was unsure if even his own country would vote for him.The SA Football Association had previously asked him to consider withdrawing from the race due to the lack of support he has garnered , but Sexwale has doggedly persisted .Sexwale said: "Fortunately I have the vote from South Africa but will it last?"[Voting] happens behind a curtain. No one knows what happens behind that curtain. It's a game of chance."If you ask me how many associations have said they will back me, quite a number have said they will not."Sexwale first declared his intention to run for the Fifa presidency five months ago, but has not received any formal endorsement, despite travelling extensively to see top football leaders.He now looks too well off the pace of the top two contenders, Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa of Bahrain and the Uefa general secretary Gianni Infantino, whom Sexwale hosted on Robben Island on Monday.He will have today and tomorrow to lobby before Friday's election...
There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.
From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.
For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.
Already subscribed? Sign in below.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.