By Andrew Warshaw
October 1 – In a strong message of support that will come as no surprise to seasoned observers of allegiances within FIFA’s hierarchy, the head of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is backing Sepp Blatter’s bid for a fifth term of office.
Blatter confirmed to his executive committee last week that he will stand again for president next May and AFC chief Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has been quick to re-iterate his backing for the veteran Swiss.
Last year Blatter told the AFC congress that he would be trying to seek more World Cup places for Asia, but that was before their below-par collective display in Brazil. Salman, a loyal Blatter ally, will be banking on Blatter’s quid-pro-quo support in his re-election campaign for AFC president some time next spring.
“Joseph S. Blatter has always been supportive of Asia and has placed great importance in the development of Asian football through various FIFA programmes,” Salman said. “Our growth in world football can also be credited to the dynamic relationship that the AFC has with FIFA under the guidance of Mr. Blatter.”
“Mr. Blatter has decades’ worth of experience in governing world football, therefore I have every confidence that he will continue to play an important role in its development.”
Even before Blatter starts campaigning, it seems his re-election is a virtual fait accompli. Salman’s comments follow similar sentiments recently expressed by the Confederation of African Football which is also seeking more World Cup berths as FIFA’s largest region of members but which, just as importantly, is keen to maintain the level of development funding enjoyed under Blatter’s reign.
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