01/06/2011

Blatter Onside For Fifa Fourth Term

Following a failed attempt to delay Wednesday's presidential election, it looks likely that Sepp Blatter will kick off a fourth term heading Fifa.

Amid allegations of corruption within Fifa, the Football Association and the Scottish Football Association called for the presidential election to be postponed.

Following Mohamed Bin Hammam's withdrawal, current president Sepp Blatter remains the sole candidate in the running for the 1 June election after voters opted against a delay.

The vote to formally re-elect Blatter will take place later today.

Addressing the decision, Bernstein said: "It gives me no pleasure to make this speech. A lot of people have warned me I shouldn't be making this speech but Fifa is a democratic organisation.

"We are faced with an unsatisfactory situation. We are subject to universal criticism from governments, sponsors, media and the wider world. With this background the election has turned into one-horse race.

"In the view of the Football Association this should be avoided both for the sake of Fifa and the president itself. A coronation without an opponent provides a flawed mandate.

"I ask for a postponement to allow time for an additional candidate or candidates to stand and compete in an open and fair election.

"Only by so doing will the winner have proper credibility over the next four years."

(BMcN/GK)


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