Ethiopian Olympic Committee head Dr. Ashebir Woldegiorgis has pulled out of the race for Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) president. The bizarre move came up right before the last day of submission of names to the Electoral Committee of EFF.
Dr. Ashebir was vying for the control of EFF after getting endorsement from SNNP Football Federation. The former EFF boss cited personal reasons for his unexpected withdrawal. “In all honesty I did not want to stand in the polls from the beginning. Ethiopian Football is not ready for a democratic election as I earlier expected. I intended to quit long ago but since the regional state could not bring in another candidate I stayed. Due to the election the image of Ethiopian Football dealt with a huge blow and as an Ethiopian it pains me to see this. That is why I opted not to compete in the race.”
The controversial figure pledged to work with the elected president and apologized to SNNP Football Federation, other regional state Football Federations and individuals who supported his campaign.
Six candidates have presented their endorsement letters to the Electoral Committee. Those candidates who will get cleared by the Electoral Committee will stand in the polls comes June 3. Current incumbent Juneidi Basha is seeking for a second term as former EFF Vice President Teka Assefaw is in contention. The current Executive Committee member Chuol Biel, Jimma Aba Jifar FC general manager Esayas Jira, owner of Flintstone Homes and Ethiopian Chess Federation head Tsedeke Yihune and former Ethiopia Bunna SC official Tesfaye Kahessaye are also running to take the helm at EFF.
