Prince Ali, also head of the West Asian Football Federation, was one of a number of officials who called for the publication of ethics investigator Michael Garcia’s report into allegations of corruption surrounding the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids. Photo: BBC News

The Jordanian Prince, 39, will stand as a candidate at FIFA’s presidential election on May 29, where Blatter, 78, will seek a fifth term of office.

Prince Ali said: “It is time to shift the focus away from administrative controversy and back to sport. “The headlines should be about football, not about FIFA.”

Prince Ali, president of Jordanian football since 1999, said he had been encouraged to stand by colleagues.

“The message I heard, over and over, was that it is time for a change,” the Asian Football Confederation’s vice-president said.

“The world game deserves a world-class governing body – an international federation that is a service organisation and a model of ethics, transparency and good governance.”

Prince Ali, also head of the West Asian Football Federation, was one of a number of officials who called for the publication of ethics investigator Michael Garcia’s report into allegations of corruption surrounding the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids.

UEFA president Michel Platini is said to be “pleased” that Prince Ali has decided to enter the race and will attempt to get the Jordanian as many votes as possible in Europe.

In a statement, Platini said: “I know Prince Ali well. He has all the credibility required to hold high office. We now await his proposals and his programme for the future of football.”

FIFA has suffered a number of damaging corruption allegations during Blatter’s 17-year reign.

Last month, former England captain Gary Lineker described the way FIFA was running world football as “a farce” after the governing body became embroiled in more allegations of World Cup bidding corruption. (BBC Sports)