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Jordanians rejoice over Prince's winAMMAN, Jan 07, 2011 (Jordan Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Jordanians received with delight the news of HRH Prince Ali's election as vice president of FIFA Thursday. There has been news of spontaneous celebrations downtown Amman and the Jordan Valley. "It is a victory for both Jordan and Asia," Jordan Football Association (JFA) Vice President Amro Balbeisi told The Jordan Times over the phone. "It was hysterical here in downtown Amman. We waited impatiently for the results to be announced before we burst into a state of extreme joy," Mamoun Agilah, a shopkeeper in the old city centre told The Jordan Times. According to local sports figures and officials, the Prince has the experience and dedication to the game that make him worthy of such a prestigious title. Balbeisi added that the Prince's vision for change has also attracted Asia's support. "His Highness' programme is ambitious, seeking to boost football in Jordan, and Arab and Asian countries," he said. The JFA official explained that the Prince has a lot to do as the challenge is as huge as the Asian continent and its needs. Former football star and coach Issa Turk said that the win is especially good news for Jordan and the Arabs, who now have a more influential voice in FIFA. According to Turk, all football associations in Asia should stand by the continent's representative in order to achieve his vision and plans to make a better future for Asian football. Prince Ali's long experience as president of both JFA and the West Asian Football Federation was a tremendous advantage that made the Prince the vice president, the president of Faisali Club, Baker Odwan, told The Jordan Times. Yahia Maharmeh, the former president of the Sahab football club, noted the Prince believes that Asia is the future of international football. "We are certain that Asia will witness the envisioned change and the election of Prince Ali is an important step towards this future," he added. Mahmoud Johari, the eminent Egyptian football expert and adviser to Prince Ali, cited "an impressive track record" of the Prince at the local and Asian level. "The promotion of Jordan sports and the founding of the West Asian Football Association are examples of Prince Ali's contributions," said Johari, who has also coached the national team. Football expert and celebrated coach Mazhar Saeed underlined "some challenges Jordan and Asian football face in certain aspects". "His dedication is stunning. He works hard for the benefit of Jordan and Asia. I am certain that the Prince will help change the reality of football in Asia and upgrade its level to that of Europe." Faisal Ibrahim, former national football team captain and Wihdat Club star, said that as a young and energetic FIFA official, Prince Ali is better qualified to make the desirable difference in Asian football. At a different level, the Prince's achievement is likely to boost the morale of national teams and motivate young athletes to do better in their sports. To see more of the Jordan Times or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.jordantimes.com. Copyright (c) 2011, Jordan Times, Amman Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com. |