Washington: Indian-American Sunil Gulati, who is currently serving a record third term as president of the US Soccer Federation, could be in the race to replace Sepp Blatter as the new Fifa chief.
Various US media outlets said Allahabad-born Gulati, 55, who has played a key role in the development of soccer in the United States in the past few decades, could be a potentially strong contender to replace Blatter, should the US have an interest in the position of Fifa chief.
“Gulati will be considered a candidate to replace Blatter should the American have interest in the position,” NBC Sports said.
Blatter was re-elected four days ago, but resigned after a corruption scandal implicated some top Fifa officials. In a statement, Gulati welcomed the resignation of Blatter as president of Fifa, which has been rocked by a major corruption scandal, resulting in arrest of more than 10 top football officials both in the US and Zurich.
In the elections for Fifa president, Gulati had backed Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein. Gulati and the US have been opposed to Blatter. Gulati served as US Soccer’s executive vice-president from 2000 to 2006 before stepping into his role as president.
