Blatter confident of another term

FIFA president Dato’ Sri Joseph S. Blatter is confident that he will retain his presidency for another term, which is likely to be his last as head of football’s governing body.

Dato’ Sri Blatter,  who was in Kuala Lumpur for a one-day working visit, said he needs another four years to continue his agenda in developing football around the world. He has been at the FIFA helm for 13 years.

“Among other things I want to continue is to develop the spirit of football at grass-root level, to increase professionalism in the governing bodies and to have more tournaments.,” said Dato’ Sri Blatter at a press conference after having an audience with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president, KDYMM Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah at Istana Pahang in Kuala Lumpur.

During the meeting, the FIFA President was also conferred by KDYMM Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah the Sri Sultan Ahmad Shah Pahang (SSAP) award of the first degree, which carries the title, "Dato’ Sri".

Also present were FAM deputy president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, Youth and Sports Minister Dato’ Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, FAM’s three Vice Presidents, Dato’ Subahan Kamal, Dato’ Hamidin Mohd Amin, Dato’ Afandi Hamzah and General Secretary, Dato’ Azzuddin Ahmad.

When asked about speculation that Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, Mohamad Hammam will challenge him for the top post, the Swiss President, who visited East Timor, Myanmar and Laos before stopping over in Kuala Lumpur, said that competition is always good.

"I just passed 75 on March 10 and I don’t know how you see me but I think I am full of energy and I have not yet finished my work to develop football and organize competition.

"I am willing to go on for the next four years. This is my wish and we will see what the congress will say. I welcome any challenge. I have the support among Asian and Middle East countries,’ said Dato’ Sri Blatter.

The world body’s presidential election is due to take place in Zurich on June 1

Speaking further on his vision for the next four years, Dato’ Sri Blatter said that he plans to implement a healthy football program.

“To do that, we need to be working with the health and education ministry of the respective countries.

Dato’ Sri Blatter also said that Sultan Ahmad Shah would be an excellent candidate for the Asean Football Federation (AFF) president’s post and wished the Sultan good luck in contesting for the post.

KDYMM Sultan Ahmad Shah has been nominated to contest during the regional body’s congress in Bangkok on April 10. FA of Thailand’s President, Worawi Makudi has also been nominated for the post.