Hayatou's new football family values

Fifa in turmoil: Embattled Blatter favourite to continue his rule of the world order as the big names rally round Alex Hayes

Ever since he announced his candidature for the presidency of football's world governing body, Issa Hayatou has divided opinions. Some say he is foolish, others say he is wise. That particular argument will not be settled until after Wednesday's vote in Seoul, but one thing is certain – Hayatou is principled. Having come this far in the Fifa election by projecting himself as the peace broker of football, he has no intention of changing tack now.

Hayatou is determined to defeat the incumbent president, Sepp Blatter, by fair means only. And this despite the fact that Blatter is a man on the brink, who has been accused of employing whatever methods available to ensure re-election. Allegations have marred the Swiss's four-year tenure, ranging from vote-rigging at the last Fifa congress in Paris on the eve of the 1998 World Cup to financial irregularities, as well as the recent legal proceedings which were started by 11 of the 24-man Fifa executive committee. No matter, Hayatou will simply not play games. "Others can do what they want," he said as he prepared to leave Tonga for Seoul late last week, "but there will be no money exchanged or gifts offered by my camp. This election will be fought and won above board."

Some might argue that Hayatou's stance is naïve, particularly in the murky world of football politics, but the Cameroonian's determination to conduct a clean campaign has actually won him a number of key supporters. The English Football Association are one of several governing bodies to have abandoned Blatter since the last vote took place. "The Board felt unable to back the current president Josep Blatter," an FA statement reads. "The FA will support Issa Hayatou and would also like to place on record its high regard and admiration for the general secretary of Fifa, Michel Zen-Ruffinen. In increasingly difficult circumstances, he has continued to seek to fulfil his responsibilities. In that task he should receive the full support of the worldwide footballing community."

This clear message of support is significant, if only because it is highly unusual. Associations might pledge their support for one candidate or another, but they rarely elaborate on their choices. The acknowledgement of Zen-Ruffinen is all the more revealing because it comes at a time when he has launched legal proceedings against Blatter for "mismanagement of funds". Clearly the FA believe what the general secretary has to say.

Pledged votes, though, count for nothing if they do not materialise on the day. Hayatou knows this better than most, having watched his mentor, Lennart Johansson, lose to Blatter four years ago, when victory had seemed assured the night before the congress. "I will do everything in my powers to make sure that those who say they will back us actually do so on Wednesday," the president of the African Football Confederation said. "We have most of the support and must not lose it at the last minute, whatever the opposition tries."

Hayatou's challenge has the majority backing of the three biggest confederations in world football, Africa (52 countries), Europe (51) and Asia (44). Most African nations are hugely disappointed that Blatter failed in his pledge to ensure that the 2006 World Cup went to their continent, and are therefore likely to turn their backs on him. Only South Africa seem sure to stand by him. Hayatou also enjoys powerful allies in Europe and Asia, most notably the Uefa president Johansson, and one of the Fifa vice-presidents and co-chairman of the World Cup, Dr Chung Mong-joon.

Blatter, though, is far from out of the race. If nothing else, he has the advantage of being the incumbent. This means he has been able to use the Fifa private jet and offices for his campaign. He also has the backing of Germany, as well as a several Middle Eastern states, where football – largely thanks to his Goal project, which provides developing football nations with facilities – has blossomed under his stewardship. Then there are the high-profile names within the game, such as Pele, Michel Platini and Franz Beckenbauer. "I don't care what old players have to say," Hayatou explained. "I am only interested in the future and what the next generation feel. It is time the football family moved forward."

On Thursday, Blatter arrived in Seoul ahead of the vote, and immediately sought to continue his charm offensive. He was met by Chung, one of his fiercest critics, but bit his lip and said all the right things. "I am very proud to be the president of Fifa at such an historic moment," he announced. "For the first time, the World Cup is played in Asia. I do hope that from now up to the congress and then during the World Cup we speak more about football than we do about problems." Blatter then tried to lighten the mood by comparing the forthcoming election to a game. "The presidential election is like a football match," he said, "and you don't know exactly how a match is played... but I am very confident that I will have the support of the federations. I would say that Mr Hayatou will be lucky if he gets 50 votes."

Hayatou insiders immediately countered the remarks asking whether Blatter meant 50 votes in Europe alone. Then, Chung again stated his support for Hayatou. "I am voting for the candidate who I hope can clean up the Fifa house," he said. "I simply hope it is a fair election. I hope people vote with their conscience." That may be easier said than done, as many federations, and in particular the smaller ones, rely heavily on the money Blatter has promised them.

The rhetoric will count for little from now on, as deals and counter-deals are sure to be brokered through the next three nights. "You can talk with whoever you want," Hayatou said, "and discuss whatever you want. But there should be no bribery, no false promises, and especially no exertion of pressure. Then let us see who the honest and worthy winner is." No more Mr nice Guy? No chance.