Skip to main content
Khalifa passes Fifa integrity checks
A ‘black mark on the world of football’ as Bahraini royal officially becomes presidential candidate

THE Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (Bird) slammed Fifa yesterday for adding a “human rights abuser to their profile” after Sheik Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa passed their presidential candidacy integrity check.

Khalifa has been accused of being complicit in the detention of footballers and other athletes while head of the Bahrain Football Association.

He allegedly dobbed in athletes who had joined pro-democracy protests in the Gulf monarchy in 2011. They were savagely tortured and the protests drowned in blood with the help of Saudi troops.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Brentford's Neal Maupay celebrates scoring their side's firs
Men’s football / 3 December 2023
3 December 2023
Real Madrid's Jose Vinicius Junior in action during the UEFA
Men’s Football / 22 May 2023
22 May 2023
KADEEM SIMMONDS stresses the need for harsher punishments for hate speech in football
Manchester United legend Andy Cole with Kadeem Simmonds afte
Simmonds Speaks / 10 August 2021
10 August 2021
Similar stories
Ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter, center, arrives in front of
Football / 3 March 2025
3 March 2025
Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (left) and Fif
Men’s Football / 10 December 2024
10 December 2024
Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (left) and FIF
Women’s football / 21 October 2024
21 October 2024
World / 5 September 2024
5 September 2024