Hervé Verhoosel has published a tribune addressing the upcoming FIFA presidential election, urging African football leaders to prioritize the specific needs of their federations when selecting a candidate. Verhoosel advised that federations in Africa should consider their individual requirements for the sport's future, emphasizing that this introspection is key for making an informed choice. He stated, "quel football voulons-nous ?" (what kind of football do we want?). This question serves as a foundational element of his message to the continent's football leadership.
Verhoosel emphasized that there would not be a singular African vote in the election, but rather 54 distinct votes from the continent's federations. He explained, "Il n’y aura donc pas un vote africain. Il y aura 54 votes." This statement shows the autonomy and individual responsibility of each member association. He further pressed African federations to reflect deeply on the desired future of football and the type of FIFA necessary to achieve it, asking them to consider, "quel football voulons-nous, et de quelle FIFA ce football a-t-il besoin ?" This call to action is designed to encourage a thoughtful and strategic approach to their electoral decisions.
A Call for Strategic Voting
Hervé Verhoosel urged the 54 African member associations to prioritize the future of football when casting their votes in the upcoming FIFA presidential election. He proposed a structured, three-step approach for these federations to consider their choices, aiming to guide them towards a decision that best serves their long-term interests. This process involves first defining the desired vision for football within their respective contexts, then determining the specific role FIFA should play in achieving that vision, and finally identifying the leader best suited to implement it. Verhoosel showed the significant diversity among African federations, noting their varied needs, available resources, and distinct priorities within the sport. This inherent diversity means that a one-size-fits-all approach to leadership selection would be insufficient. His tribune, outlining these recommendations, has been published across several African nations, including Nigeria, South Sudan, Gabon, Mauritania, Guinea, and Mali, ensuring a wide reach for his message.
Defining the Future of Football
Hervé Verhoosel's tribune, which outlines his recommendations for African football federations, is specifically titled "Cette fois, votons pour le football" (This time, let's vote for football). The article emphasizes the importance of establishing a clear vision for the sport's direction before any candidate is considered. With 54 FIFA member associations located across Africa, the continent collectively represents a significant voting bloc in the upcoming presidential election, holding substantial influence over the outcome. Verhoosel's counsel aims to guide these associations in making informed decisions that transcend immediate political considerations. He advocates for a principled approach where the long-term health and development of football are critical.
Verhoosel has stated unequivocally that his tribune does not endorse any particular candidate for the FIFA presidency. This neutrality extends to the current FIFA president, Infantino, as well as any other potential contenders. His focus remains firmly on the process by which African federations should choose a leader, rather than on promoting a specific individual or agenda. The objective is to encourage a strategic approach to voting that prioritizes the long-term health and development of football in Africa, ensuring that the chosen leader aligns with the continent's diverse footballing aspirations. This emphasis on process over personality is a core tenet of his published advice.
Context and Impact
Hervé Verhoosel, a former high-ranking United Nations official, emphasized the distinct nature of the upcoming FIFA presidential election for African federations. His background in international diplomacy and development informs his perspective on the importance of tailored solutions and respecting diverse needs. Verhoosel reiterated his view that there would not be a unified "African vote," stating, "Il n’y aura donc pas un vote africain. Il y aura 54 votes." This reiteration serves to reinforce the message that each federation's decision should be independently made based on its specific circumstances. He stressed that Africa provides significant talent to international football, showing the continent's key and irreplaceable role in the global sport. This contribution, he implies, grants African federations a powerful voice that should be exercised strategically. Verhoosel's perspective is partly informed by his personal experience, having lived and worked in Bangui for over two years, which provided him with firsthand insight into the realities and challenges faced by communities and organizations on the continent. His call for strategic voting aims to ensure each of the 54 federations considers its unique needs when deciding on a candidate, thereby fostering a more strong and representative outcome for African football.
