Exclusive: Blatter claims he offers "proven leadership" in election manifesto

By Duncan Mackay

April 20 – Sepp Blatter has written to all 208 members of FIFA to try to win their support for a fourth time as President, claiming that the sport is healthy financially and better developed under him than at any time in its history and that he offers “proven leadership”.

In the four-page letter, a copy of which insideworldfootball has seen, Blatter sets out his manifesto for the first time as to why he should elected ahead of rival Mohamed Bin Hammam at the election in Zurich on June 1.

“Looking back on what we have achieved together during the last 12 years fills me with great satisfaction,” he writes.

“We can be proud of our organisation and that FIFA is stronger than ever.

“We are in an excellent position to tackle the challenges of the future.

“As you all know, today we are living in an insecure and troubled world.

“After the global financial crisis of 2008-2009, today we have to cope with other major global challenges including natural and nuclear catastrophes, countries in financial turmoil, the devaluation of leading currencies as well as political instability and revolution in many regions.

“This shows that FIFA as the organiser of global World Cups and world football’s governing body has to be prepared to manage the unexpected when it occurs.

“For this reason, what FIFA needs most today is stability, continuity and reliability.

“We have to further improve the game, extend our development activities and strengthen our organisation while being able to react quickly when the unexpected occurs in the football family.

“To do this we need steady evolution. I have decided to stand for my fourth and final term as your President because in these uncertain times FIFA needs stability to secure all that we have achieved so far and to make the essential changes to our beautiful game.

“Since my first election in 1998 I have always delivered on my promises in the spirit of ‘Football for all – all for football’, and I will continue to do so in the future.

“But before speaking about the future, let us have a look back at our tremendous achievements over the 12 years that I have had the honour of being your President.”

Blatter then lists a series of what, he claims, have been his main achievements, 46 “fresh and vibrant” FIFA competitions, plus the three World Cups he has overseen, investment of $1.6 billion (£977 million) in development programmes, including the Goal project he initiated in 1999, financial stability to create $1.2 billion in reserves and transparency and control of FIFA revenues via annual external audits, available for download via www.fifa.com.

That last claim will draw some raised eyebrows as one of the criticisms levelled at Blatter during his 13 years in charge is that he has presided over a corrupt organisation that has lacked transparency.

But the 75-year-ols Swiss promises that if he is elected then he will deliver “stability, continuity and reliability during challenging times” and strengthen “the democracy and autonomy of all member associations”.

He also pledges to provide $1 billion (£610 million) for the development of the game over the next four years and to “enhance the quality and attractiveness of the game”.

Blatter also promises to lamp down on the enemies of the game, including corruption, match-fixing and doping.

“A lot has been done in the past 12 years, but we can always do better,” Blatter writes.

“If there is a constant in FIFA it is change.

“Changes occur every day and FIFA is today able to implement and manage them effectively and thoroughly.

“We have never rushed into implementing change for change’s sake, but have always respected FIFA’s democratic processes.

“We are living in a world of economic uncertainty and political turmoil. In these challenging times FIFA needs first of all stability, continuity and reliability.

“We do not need revolution within FIFA but the continuous evolution and improvement of our game and our organisation.

“The key challenges that we are facing today include threats to our democratic structures and to the quality of our game, in particular corruption, match-fixing, discrimination, racism and hooliganism.

“In the spirit of my three-pillar mission: Develop the game, touch the world and build a better future, together we will deliver solutions to these challenges.”

Blatter then finishes the letter by issuing a rallying call.

“To achieve these objectives is very important. But it is equally important to secure the stability of our organisation – our family – and to ensure the continuity of our achievements as a basis for the next generation. I believe in football, I believe in FIFA and I believe in the FIFA family:

“in you!

“I believe in football and I have all the motivation, experience, ideas and energy needed to complete my mission,” he writes.

“I am ready; let’s go for it – together. Join me in creating a wonderful legacy in my last four years as your President.”

To read a full copy of the letter click here.

Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734836086labto1734836086ofdlr1734836086owedi1734836086sni@y1734836086akcam1734836086.nacn1734836086ud1734836086