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Come Friday and Bin Hamman, one time close ally of FIFA President Sepp Blatter , will clear the air on whether he will contest the election for the FIFA Presidential post due in June 1, 2011.
Bin Hammam said on his Twitter account: “I will hold a press conference on Friday, March 18, at AFC House. I will clarify my position regarding the FIFA presidency elections, which take place in June 2011.”
Should Bin Hamman End Blatter’s Reign?
The head of the Asian Football Confederation has hinted over recent months that he may challenge the present FIFA boss Sepp Blatter who is seeking his fourth four year term. If Bin Hamman decides not to contest, then Blatter will win the election unopposed.
Last week Bin Hammam, who was sworn in unopposed for a third and final term as the head of Asian soccer in January, said he was happy with the support from five or six of Fifa’s confederations but was unsure about European backing.
“I am happy with most confederations, but I don’t know about Europe and how they will deal with my candidacy,” he said on Twitter.
“Europe is the core of football. I would like now to make a real assessment in Europe.”
Blatter on the other hand was bullish last week when asked about a possible challenge.
He said: “If you want to see new faces then okay, every four years we have an election. I have received support from different national associations to stand again.
“If I win okay, if lose I say thank you then go away. You will have your new face and then we will see what will happen.
“But I think it’s not new faces we shall have in FIFA.”
On a personal note, I think it’s time the world football governing body bid adieu to Sepp Blatter and come forward for a change. Mohamed Bin Hammam is a hard worker and has brought immense improvement to Asian football during his tenure as the Continental President. He has been instrumental in winning Qatar the rights to host 2022 FIFA World Cup. If he becomes the FIFA Boss, there is nothing the game lovers will lose but will surely bring in some improvement. Asia will love to have him as the first FIFA Boss from the continent.
