Uefa Rejects Blatter’s Intent to Continue as Fifa President

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has been urged to stand down in next year’s election, after notifying the Uefa football confederation about his intentions to continue serving in the same position he has occupied since 1998.

Blatter’s statement to the European delegates during the feisty meeting in Brazil met retributions, most especially from the president of the Dutch FA, Michael van Praag, who reportedly challenged the 78-year-old directly.

“Few people still take Fifa seriously and, however you look at it, Blatter is mainly responsible,” said Van Praag

Sepp Blatter Urged Not to Contest in the 2015 Presidential Election By European Football Confederation.
Sepp Blatter Urged Not to Contest in the 2015 Presidential Election By European Football Confederation.

The English FA chairman, Greg Dyke, challenged Mr Blatter on his claims to African delegates on Monday that allegations made against Qatar 2022 were motivated by racism and discrimination.

A Sunday Times report alleges banned Qatari football official Mohammed Bin Hammam made illegal payments to football officials in return for their support for Qatar’s successful World Cup bid.

Dyke reportedly told Blatter during Tuesday’s meeting that his remarks were “totally unacceptable.”

“These allegations need to be properly investigated and properly answered,” said Dyke.

“Mr Blatter, many of us are deeply troubled by your reaction to these allegations.

“The allegation been made are nothing to do with racism. They are allegations about corruption.”

Van Praag added on the damages done by plaques of corruption allegations leveled against the governing body: “Fifa’s image has deteriorated because of everything that’s happened in recent years.

“People link Fifa to corruption and bribery and all kinds of old boy’s networks.”