Former Manchester United Chief Executive David Gill has been elected by UEFA as Britain’s FIFA vice-president, defeating Football Association of Wales President Trefor Lloyd Hughes.
Gill, who is also vice-chairman of The FA (Football Association), will succeed Jim Boyce of Northern Ireland, taking charge in May; having a four-year term on FIFA’s executive committee.
The 57-year-old, known for his time with the Red Devils and Sir Alex Ferguson, defeated Trefor Lloyd Hughes by 43 votes to 10 in the election by UEFA’s 54 member nations held in Vienna.
Gill had earlier voiced his opinion for a change in the international governing body, claiming a new president would be the way forward.
“There have been some sensible changes to the governance of FIFA… but my personal view is that for change to be truly effected there needs to be a change of president,” he told the FA’s website. “We have got the election coming up in May and, although this isn’t personal against Mr [Sepp] Blatter, I do feel it is time for a change in FIFA.”
“If that happens then I truly believe we can move it forward.”
Gil, was initially reluctant to represent the role, but was backed by FA Chairman Greg Dyke Uefa President Michel Platini amongst others, compelling to reconsider his decision.
“This is a decision I have been thinking about for some time. Although I had initially wanted to focus on developing my relatively new role within Uefa, I believe there is an opportunity, if elected, to use the FIFA position to make a real difference while complementing that ongoing work.”
“Having sounded out many people across the game including fellow board members at Manchester United, the FA and Uefa, I would hope to make a positive contribution and use my candidacy to drive a debate for continued reform,” Gill had said.
DYKE vs BLATTER
Reading born Gill will join the FIFA Executive Committee after the presidential elections, which will be held on 29th May. Vice President of FIFA for Asia Ali bin Al-Hussein of Jordan, Dutch Football Chief Michael van Praag and former Portuguese international Luis Figo are to compete Sepp Blatter in a secret ballot of FIFA’s 209 member associations.
David Gill was elected to the UEFA Executive Committee in 2013, when 53 member associations voted for candidates to fill eight seats.
Leave your thoughts in the comments below or discuss with the writer on Twitter: @sunilmarkal17
Image Courtesy: Dailymail