(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Qatar will make another attempt to get an official elected onto FIFA's all-powerful executive committee ahead of their hosting of the 2022 World Cup.
Qatar Football Association (QFA) Vice-President Saud Al Mohannadi has announced plans to stand in April elections for the role and also that of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) vice president.
Al Mohannadi's candidacy follows the failed bid of Hassan Al Thawadi to be elected on to the world governing body's executive committee in 2013.
Al Thawadi was beaten 28-18 in a head-to-head vote with Bahrain's Salman Bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa, who was also elected AFC President.
Qatar have suffered relentless criticism since being awarded the right to host the World Cup for the first time in a 2010 vote and having a voice at FIFA's top table could help quieten the backlash.
The dates of the tournament remain undecided, with FIFA considering a range of options because of concerns about the searing temperatures in Qatar in June and July, when the World Cup is traditionally held.
The QFA said Al Mohannadi, previously their general secretary, had "enjoyed decades of association with football in various capacities" and completed his application before tomorrow's deadline.
Japan Football Association Vice President Kozo Tashima and Malaysian Football President Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah have already announced plans to run for the executive committee. Al Khalifa, Thailand's Worawi Makudi, China's Zhang Jilong and Jordan's Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, who is running for the FIFA presidency later this year, are the AFC's current representatives on the FIFA Exco.
Meanwhile former Dutch midfielder Edgar Davids is willing to offer his experience in helping young kids develop their football, the one-time Juventus star said on the sidelines of the Al Kass Cup.
Davids, who retired in 2011, met with Hamad Abdullah Al Kuwari, Acting Chief Operating Officer and Director of Marketing and Communications, QFA, and discussed football matters in detail.
"The meeting was very fruitful and we were able to discuss many important things. We talked about football and ways to develop the game in Qatar," Al Kuwari said.
Davids said: "I am a football fan first. I came here to discuss football in a country that loves this sport. I am happy at the reception I got here. It is my first visit to this country."
He added: "I have a very good impression of how football is loved in this country so I am thinking of establishing sports projects here so that we could get more kids playing this amazing sport."
Davids was quick to note that 'Doha is fast developing as a sport hub of the world."
He said he would like to offer 'every service to develop the game of football in Netherlands and Qatar'.
A combative, energetic, and creative midfielder, Davids was nicknamed "the Pitbull" by Louis van Gaal because of his marking ability and his aggressive tackling.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.