David Nakhid, got the full backing of T&T Football Association (TTFA) to be the next FIFA president.
A unanimous decision was taken by the TTFA Executive Committee on Thursday evening to support the former National Senior Team captain. The former Grasshoppers FC midfielder met with members of the TTFA for discussions on his bid to be the next FIFA President which he launched last month.
The TTFA, led by president Raymond Tim Kee, reviewed the manifesto for change proposed by Nakhid and believes it provides the basis for a fresh start for FIFA. The local governing body believes that it is the right time for new blood to be brought in and that Nakhid is capable of leading the world governing body.
“At a meeting of the Executive Committee on Thursday, there was a unanimous decision taken to back Mr Nakhid in the next FIFA Presidential election. We are one for improved governance and transparency at FIFA and it is our belief that Mr Nakhid has the right intentions and qualities for the position,” Tim Kee said.
“The focus now has to be on the best interest of the region and the world. The executive committee was impressed by Mr Nakhid's vision for the development of Caribbean football and he displayed the best understanding of the unique needs and great potential of the region.”
Nakhid, who is based in Lebanon where he runs the David Nakhid International Football School, needs the backing of five national associations in order to be a candidate. The TTFA is now among those associations that will be backing the 51-year-old American University graduate.
Nakhid also met with members of the Caribbean Football Union last month to gather support.
With just six months to go before FIFA elects a new president, the pool of candidates has grown to seven. The other men in the race are France’s Michel Platini, Jordan’s Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, former Nigerian player Segun Odegbami, Chung Mong-Joon of South Korea, former Brazilian player Zico and Musa Bility of Liberia.
The election to find a successor to Sepp Blatter will be held in Zurich on February 26.