 Gaddafi wants to succeed as a player |
Al Saadi Gaddafi has pulled out of the race to become president of the Confederation of African Football. The son of the Libyan leader wants to concentrate on his new career as a professional player with Italian club Perugia.
Gaddafi signed a two-year contract with the Serie A side recently but most observers dismissed it as an elaborate publicity stunt.
But the decision to ditch his Caf ambitions is likely to be seen as an attempt to convince those sceptics of his commitment to succeed as a professional footballer.
Developing
Libyan FA officials said Gaddafi also wants to spend more time developing the game in his country.
The 30-year old is leading Libya's bid to host the 2010 World Cup finals.
When Gaddafi launched his Caf presidential campaign in May, he claimed to have the support of at least 30 African countries.
That support, real or imagined, will now be split between the only two candidates now fighting to become the most powerful man in African football.
Incumbent Issa Hayatou of Cameroon and Botswana's Ismail Bhamjee will contest the election in January next year.