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FIFA President Joseph Blatter is certain to head the World Football governing body for the fourth successive time after being assured of a support from Mohamed Bin Hammam, President of the Asian Confederation. Sepp Blatter succeded João Havelange in 1998, after the later had held the post for 25 years.
Sepp Blatter’s Presidential post for the fourth term became more firm than ever when AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam and UEFA President Michael Platini – the possible contenders, made it clear that they won’t run for the next FIFA election. They would rather like to remain the President of their respective Confederation.
According to the AFC Website, while speaking to Media in Beirut, Bin Hamman said, “I will not run for the next FIFA election. I will be backing Sepp Blatter to remain in office for a new mandate”. He also said that, “”My aim is to run for the next election of AFC president due at the start of 2011.”
Meanwhile, Blatter, after 12 years in the office has made it clear he does not plan to leave when his term runs out on 11 June 2011, saying he has not finished his mission.
On a personal note, I somehow would like the Swiss to bid adieu to football and make way for others. Bin Hamman as FIFA top boss would have seen an Asian as the first FIFA President and I am sure he would have left no stone unturned to catapult Asian football to a global stage.
