I won’t run for re-election, vows Sepp Blatter

Sepp Blatter yesterday brushed off a stunt by an English comedian to categorically state he will not stand in next year’s Fifa presidential election — and sent a ‘good luck’ message to Michel Platini, the man who is favourite to succeed him.

Fifa’s executive committee has decided the date of the special congress to elect Blatter’s successor to be February 26 next year — meaning the 79-year-old will remain in power for another seven months.

At a news conference in Zurich, Blatter for the first time stated unequivocally that he will not stand again — and said he would try for a new career in radio.