Blatter firm favourite to keep top job

Sepp Blatter’s bid to retain the FIFA Presidency continues to gather pace after he received the backing of African regional federations.

Blatter, 75, is campaigning to remain at the head of world football’s governing body, a position he has held since 1998.

The Swiss is running against Asian Football Confederation President Mohamed Bin Hammam, with elections scheduled for June 1.

After the North, Central and South American confederations, as well as UEFA, all publicly declared their allegiance to the incumbent, Blatter has been tipped for re-election in a landslide.

It has even been suggested that Bin Hammam may pull out of the race prior to what is looming as a humiliating defeat when the member countries are polled.

In the latest boost to Blatter’s campaign, four African regional federations threw their support behind the former lawyer at a meeting to discuss the legacy of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

“The national associations from various regions in Africa namely Cosafa (south), Cecafa (east) , Wafu (west) and Unifac (central) gathered in Johannesburg, declare full support for the re-election of Mr Sepp Blatter to further serve another term as from the 1st of June,” Unifac President Mahomed Iya said.

The announcement comes just days after the African Football Confederation (CAF) threw their support behind the Blatter candidacy.

“I am confident especially after the support from the associations assembled here,” Blatter said.

The previous challenge to Blatter’s reign, which came from CAF President Issa Hayatou in 2002, ended in a huge victory for the Swiss, 139 to 56.