By Andrew Warshaw
April 14 – Mohamed Bin Hammam’s quest to topple Sepp Blatter for the FIFA Presidency has received its first significant boost with the relevation that a majority of African countries would vote for the Qatari underdog.
A survey among individual African federation leaders has Bin Hammam well out on top – if the election was held today.
Despite bringing the World Cup to South Africa last summer, the poll by www.afrikansoccer.com has Blatter losing his grip on the continent that voted overwhelmingly for him on two previous occasions.
The survey of federation chairmen across the continent found only 30 per cent in favour of extending Blatter’s Presidency for another four years, adding weight to those who believe the election on June 1 will be far closer than the previous ballots in 2002 and 1998.
The survey has African leaders split along regional lines, with more Bin Hammam supporters in North, West and East Africa, and the best support for Blatter coming from Southern Africa, the area which benefited most from the hosting of Africa’s first World Cup last year.
None of the FA chairmen contacted by the website were willing to go public with their views but Musa Hassa Bililay, President of the Liberia FA, was recently quoted as calling for Africa to throw its weight behind Bin Hammam.
President of the Asian Football Confederation, it was Bin Hammam’s support for Blatter that enabled the Swiss to sweep to victory in 1998, thanks to significant African backing due in part to bin Hammam’s own connections.
But bin Hammam believes four terms of office is too many and that FIFA has lost its credibility because of recent corruption scandals.
Blatter recently embarked on a lengthy lobbying tour of central America, part of the CONCACAF region whose 35 votes could prove so crucial.
But the new African survey – if accurate – will fuel the growing belief that Bin Hammam’s influence is gaining strength with the election in Zurich six weeks away.
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734869023labto1734869023ofdlr1734869023owedi1734869023sni@w1734869023ahsra1734869023w.wer1734869023dna1734869023
Related stories
April 2011: CONCACAF will vote as block in FIFA election says Warner
April 2011: It’s official: Blatter v Bin Hammam for FIFA President
March 2011: Bin Hammam blames Blatter for FIFA unpopularity
March 2011: “Mr President – when is it enough?” Bin Hammam asks Blatter in his own backyard
March 2011: Bin Hammam launches website in fight against Blatter