Blatter gets Europe´s backing

The UEFA executive committee will put its ‘unanimous support’ behind Sepp Blatter’s campaign to retain the FIFA presidency.

Blatter, 75, has been in office since 1998 and is seeking a fourth consecutive term as head of world football’s governing body.

Up against Asian Football Confederation President Mohamed Bin Hammam, Blatter has promised widespread reform if re-elected in the ballot on June 1.

Among the reforms promised are changes to the decision-making process behind the World Cup hosting rights, as well as the introduction of a watchdog body to supervise internal processes.

The Swiss has also promised to step down in 2015, should he be re-elected.

Reportedly already assured of the majority of votes from South America’s CONMEBOL, North and Central America’s CONCACAF and the Oceania region, UEFA’s backing now makes Blatter a firm favourite to retain his post.

“The Uefa executive committee has decided to give its unanimous support to Mr Joseph S Blatter in the upcoming Fifa presidential elections and strongly recommends all Uefa member associations to do likewise,” the organisation said in a statement.

Bin Hammam, 61, is the first man to challenge Blatter since African Confederation President Issa Hayatou lost by 139 votes to 56 in 2002.