By Duncan Mackay in Zurich
May 31 – Secret negotiations are taking place for Sepp Blatter to step down as President of FIFA in 2013 rather than serve the full four-year term he would be due if he is elected here tomorrow, it has been claimed.
The talks are being led by UEFA, it is reported, which would put their President Michel Platini in the pole position to succeed Blatter if he decides to stand aside.
The former French international sees it as a compromise to postpoining the election, which the Football Associations in England and Scotland are calling for but which he has already told insideworldfootball that he does not back.
The idea of shortening Blatter’s terms is supported by Norway, who had said earlier in the election campaign that they would support him over Mohamed Bin Hammam, his only rival until he withdrew on Sunday (May 29) just hours before he was provisionally suspended by FIFA’s Ethics Committee amid allegations he had tried to bribe voters in the Caribbean.
“We are waiting to see what the situation is leading up to the election,” Yngve Hallén, the President of the Norwegian FA told the Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet.
“The Scandinavian countries speak with a common voice in the UEFA and we’re going to listen to any proposals which might be put forward.”
Blatter addressed FIFA’s 208 member federations when opening the 61st Congress in the Hallenstadion here, a curious affair which featured jugglers, folk dancers and the singer Grace Jones (pictured) – which was quite out of keeping with the atmosphere that has enveloped this gathering of the powerbrokers of world football.
“I thought we were living in a world of fair play, respect and discipline but I must unfortunately say this is no longer the case because our pyramid, the famous FIFA pyramid, is suddenly unsure on its basis and there is danger,” he warned.
“Tomorrow, dear friends, when I open the Congress agenda, I will speak of the danger lurking and I will tell you how we can fight this threat of danger, how our sport can play its role in bringing people together in the future.
“Tonight we want to meet in a festive atmosphere, but to keep the fascination of our sport we must respect it, it’s up to all of us.
“It’s our game, all of us have a duty to protect this sport and this is what we want to do.
“I am certain we will achieve this.”
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