Blatter: FIFA needs evolution not revolution
Reuters - Wednesday 20 April 2011, 13:10
BERLIN - FIFA boss Sepp Blatter said on
Wednesday that world football's governing body needed his style of
"continuous evolution" rather than the "revolution" proposed by
rival presidential candidate Mohamed Bin Hammam.
Blatter and Bin Hammam are going head-to-head for the top football job in elections in June with the incumbent seeking
another term after taking over FIFA in 1998.
"I have all the motivation, experience, ideas and energy
necessary to complete my mission," Blatter wrote in a letter to
all 208 FIFA member associations.
"We do not need revolution within FIFA, but the continuous
evolution and improvement of our game and our organisation," he
added.
"In these challenging times, FIFA needs first stability,
continuity and reliability," said Blatter in his election
manifesto.
The Swiss said he would provide "stability, continuity and
reliability" in a "world of economic uncertainty and political
turmoil", adding he would distribute $1 billion for football
development in the coming years.
"I will ensure discipline, respect and fair play on and off
the field," Blatter said.
Qatari challenger Bin Hammam, sworn in unopposed for a third
and final term as Asian Football Confederation president in
January, is seeking to unseat 75-year-old Blatter after 13 years
in charge and thereby become the ninth president of FIFA.
The June 1 vote will be held in Zurich as part of the 61st
FIFA Congress.