Blatter Challenges Rivals to Run for Presidency

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has called on his critics to take him on for FIFA’s presidency in next year’s elections, generic but said he was not officially announcing himself as a candidate.

Speaking at a press conference he challenged rivals to take the election risk, whilst also stating that to be criticised as president of FIFA comes with the job.

“If I were not criticised, I would not have any value,” said Blatter.

“People who say I should not be a candidate or I should not get elected, they can take the risk to be in an election. I took the risk in 1998.”

Blatter’s advice for those thinking of standing against him for election was, “if you never take the risk, you will never have a chance”.

“But if you take the risk you also have the chance to lose,” said the 78 year-old.

“Now I say, if (other people) want to take the risk then take the risk. Don’t speak, go out and fight, then you will see. That is good. I am happy to fight. I am a fighter.”

Blatter though, has yet to announce his official candidacy for a fifth term as FIFA president.

“I will not announce for the time being that I am a candidate, I am not in a hurry, I have until the end of January next year,” he said.

Speculation has been rife that UEFA president Michel Platini may be planning to announce his candidature on August 28 prior to the Champions League draw.

At the FIFA congress in Sao Paolo Platini already said: “In the future I won’t support Blatter anymore. I’ve told him that. I think FIFA needs a breath of fresh air.”

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