By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
February 26 – And then there were four. Just a few hours before the election of a new FIFA president, rank outsider Tokyo Sexwale as expected withdrew from the race but not before stealing the show with a wonderfully humourous speech to FIFA’s voting members.
It has been clear for some time that the human rights icon turned international businessman did not stand a chance of succeeding Sepp Blatter after being snubbed by his own African continent.
But Sexwale, who has made a number of friends with his relaxed, humble style over the last few days and probably would have been the fans’ favourite given his background, left with his head held after being the last of the five candidates to address the congress, laying out his plans for FIFA in 4-4-2 formation and making a point of refusing to badmouth any of FIFA’s banned officials, notably Sepp Blatter.
“I learned from Nelson Mandela not to rejoice in the pain and misery of others,” Sexwale said before regaling delegates with a series of well-received anecdotes about life and football.
Right at the end came the coup de grace from a man who was clearly unsuited to running FIA but whose address will have touched not only those delegates in the auditorium but thousands of others watching on a live stream.
“If you elect any of the other four candidates, there will be a party,” said Sexwale as he mentioned them by name. “But if you elect me, there will be greater party.”
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1740343939labto1740343939ofdlr1740343939owedi1740343939sni@w1740343939ahsra1740343939w.wer1740343939dna1740343939