PtG Article 09.03.2011

English FA to back Blatter rival

Senior officials from the English FA have signalled their wish for a change in FIFA’s top and according to AP they are considering contacting Mohammad Bin Hammam to encourage him to realize his previous hints about standing against Blatter at the upcoming presidentianl elections.

"We think three terms is enough. We would consider contacting him [Bin Hammam] to offer our support," said a board member according to AP.

A spokesman for the FA added that "The matter has not been discussed but will be considered by the FA board when nominations have closed and the Fifa Congress agenda has been published."

At a press meeting this weekend Blatter addressed the chances of being rivalled for the post as FIFA head.

"If I win then OK, if I lose I say 'thank you', then go away. You will have your new face and then we will see what will happen.(…) If there are some other candidates then we will face other candidates. That's a democratic system. The world will not stop and football will not stop."

So far the only one to publicly come forth as a challenger to Blatter is Grant Wahl, a US journalist from Sports Illustrated. He still needs the backing of at least one national federation to become an official candidate.

The deadline for entering candidates for the post as FIFA President is April 1 2011.

SOURCE: SPORTS-CITY