Musa Bility, the president of the Liberian Football Federation, has strongly criticized Michel Platini’s candidacy for FIFA president, calling it unacceptable. In an interview with the BBC, Bility expressed his belief that Platini, who served as FIFA vice-president for eight years, does not represent the change that football needs. He argued that Platini’s background in UEFA and his close association with Sepp Blatter make him unsuitable to succeed the disgraced former FIFA president.
Bility, who has already announced his candidacy for the FIFA presidency in the election scheduled for February 26, emphasized that Africa deserves a leadership role in global football. He pointed out that Europe’s control over FIFA is no longer appropriate in the 21st century. “This is not the European Union, this is not UEFA — this is FIFA, it is international,” he said. Bility is advocating for a more inclusive, transparent, and fair FIFA, where all regions have equal power in decision-making.
Bility also dismissed the idea that French-speaking African countries would automatically support Platini just because of their shared language, stating that Africa is “not a colony of France.” He believes that Platini would bring chaos and division to FIFA, and that his candidacy only strengthens Bility’s resolve to run for the position.
In his statement, Bility exuded confidence about his chances in the election, asserting that FIFA needs a new direction, and he is the candidate capable of delivering it.
With this criticism, Bility has positioned himself as a strong rival to Platini, alongside other candidates like Zico from Brazil. The outcome of this election is expected to have a profound impact on the future governance of FIFA.
