South Africa’s Sexwale considering run for Fifa presidency

South African businessman and former political prisoner Tokyo Sexwale is said to be considering running for the presidency of Fifa, world football’s governing body.

Fifa last month said the election for its new president will be held on February 26 next year after incumbent Sepp Blatter confirmed he would not stand again. Candidates wishing to submit an application must do so in writing, together with the declarations of support of at least five national associations, by October 26.

Although Sexwale is yet to confirm his intention, a spokesperson for the South African Global Watch foundation told the Reuters news agency that the 62-year-old has been approached over the possibility of standing in the election.

Sexwale was a member of the African National Congress and was a post-apartheid government minister before moving into business. He was also a close friend of the late Nelson Mandela, having spent 13 years with the former South African president at the Robben Island prison.