Blatter stands for fourth term

Sepp Blatter today confirmed he will stand for election for a fourth term as FIFA president next year.

It is no surprise that the 74-year-old will seek another four-year term in office – especially as the possibility of a challenger standing against him has receded in recent weeks.

Blatter received an ovation at the FIFA Congress in Johannesburg after announcing: “I have not yet completed my mission as president of FIFA and you have not finished this mission either.

“I will continue to put all my strength, energy, experience and passion for football into this.

“I am ready and motivated to go for another term.”

Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed Bin Hammam, for years a key supporter of Blatter, had suggested earlier this year that he might launch a challenge after the pair fell out but they have since buried the hatchet.

Blatter was re-elected unchallenged in 2007 but in 2002 he fought a bitter war against Confederation of African Football president Issa Hayatou before winning an overwhelming victory.

Blatter was first elected president in 1998 defeating then UEFA president Lennart Johansson. He had previously been FIFA general secretary since 1981.