Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Sepp Blatter 'to stand down in 2015'

Pa
Tuesday 22 March 2011 11:14 GMT
Comments
Blatter wants one more term in charge
Blatter wants one more term in charge (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sepp Blatter will make way for a successor as FIFA president in four years' time if he is re-elected in June, he announced today.

Blatter is seeking a fourth term as FIFA president and is being challenged by Asian confederation chief Mohamed Bin Hammam.

The 75-year-old told UEFA's Congress in Paris today that if he wins he will definitely stand down in 2015.

Blatter said: "You know very well that I am a candidate for the next four years as FIFA president but these will be the last four years for which I stand as a candidate.

"Together we have the task of bringing together the adventure we have started.

"We want to ensure a better future for our youth."

Blatter's announcement appears to be a direct appeal to the 53 European countries to support him and then he will make way for UEFA president Michel Platini in 2015.

Bin Hammam revealed yesterday he would be interested in cutting a deal with Platini to oust Blatter - but the Qatari would certainly want eight years in office.

Blatter told the Congress that FIFA would now have "zero tolerance" for corruption - two FIFA executive committee members were banned last year after asking for money in return for votes for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup hosting rights.

He said: "We can see cases of corruption that really hurt the whole football family and for this reason at the FIFA Congress we will show we will have zero tolerance.

"We will have zero tolerance on the pitch, more education, more respect towards the referees. There will be zero tolerance beyond the pitch - we have the instruments for that, the disciplinary committee, the ethics committee, and it's time to act.

"We will do whatever is necessary."

Blatter also praised Platini's plan of having two extra assistant referees behind each goalline, which is now being trialled in European club competition and international football.

He added: "I'm happy to commend UEFA for its revolutionary view of refereeing and having five or even six officials on or near the pitch, not just three or four - this is a compliment."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in