Prince Ali Bin al-Hussein stepped up his bid for the Fifa presidency yesterday as he challenged Sepp Blatter to take him on in a public debate.

The head of the Jordan Football Association and current Fifa vice-president is one of three people challenging Blatter’s position.

All have promised to clean up the image of football’s governing body after high-profile controversies in recent years.

Former Portugal international Luis Figo is also in the running, as is Michael van Praag, the chairman of the Dutch Football Association.

Speaking at a press conference in London, Ali revealed his nominations for the presidency came from Jordan as well as England, the United States, Belarus, Georgia and Malta.

The 39-year-old questioned Blatter’s management and proposed a public debate including all the candidates to be held on May 29.

“If we are talking about transparency I would like to see a public debate — including the incumbent — so everyone across the world knows what our positions are. That is only fair to everyone and I am ready to do it,” Ali said.

“I have my reputation. I am who am I and I just hope that things work out. That is fair and that is honest and if that is the case I’m very confident.

“My nominations are from three different confederations, which I’m very happy with. I know it is going to be a big challenge and we have a lot to do until May 29, but I’m very confident in all our national associations and the presidents of our national associations who want the best for football.”

Addressing Blatter’s tenure, Ali said he believes the 78-year-old has to hold his hands up for the way Fifa has been run, with clouds still hanging over previous presidential elections as well as the bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

“He has been the president and definitely the president needs to be held responsible for what happens,” Ali said.

“If I’m president I will take responsibility for all actions that come out of Fifa. We have also had promises from him (Blatter) that he would not run again but that is not the case and I think that, with full honesty and integrity, he should give a chance to others — including myself.”

Ali stopped short of issuing a full manifesto.

“As you are aware I have a programme that has come out,” he said.

“But in the coming months I will be visiting national associations around the world to discuss with them what their hopes and ideas are for the future of Fifa.”