FA Chairman Bernstein Set Against Blatter Renewing Presidency

July 17, 2012

David Bernstein, the chairman of the Football Association (FA), is firmly against Sepp Blatter extending his spell as FIFA president.

Blatter, whose fourth term as president finishes in 2015, had said in 2011 that he would not run for the presidency again – but has since suggested that he could try to win a fifth term.

“I would not support that [Blatter seeking re-election], but I’m not going to call for resignations,” Bernstein told the Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s football governance follow-up.

“I stood up strongly last year in terms of the election itself and of proper governance, and I think that’s probably helped because I get a real feel of change and reform is taking place within FIFA.

“I’m genuinely encouraged by what I’ve seen over the past year. There’s a real desire and understanding that change has to take place.”

FIFA earlier today appointed Michael J. Garcia to lead prosecutor to investigate allegations of corruption in world football.