Blatter to seek FIFA re-election

Sepp Blatter confirmed on Thursday that he will seek re-election as FIFA president for another four-year term at the world governing body’s congress in 2011, saying his job was not yet complete.

“I am going to be frank and direct. I haven’t finished my job,” said Blatter. “I am ready for another mandate at the 61st Congress in Zurich in 2011.”

Blatter, 74, FIFA president since June 1998, later told a press conference following the end of the 60th Congress in Johannesburg that his mission was to work to promote football as a force for good and create “better human beings.”

“This mission will never be finished. At least I will be far away from this world when we will realise what is now the objective for the next generation,” the Swiss said on the eve of the World Cup in South Africa.

“I’m still motivated, not only motivated, I want to do it,” Blatter added, saying “working for the youth is my mission.”

Blatter, whose tenure has been beset by allegations of corruption, refused to say whether 2011 would be the last time he would stand for election. “I can’t say it is the last one… you never know.”

He told reporters “I’m a happy man because of a happy congress but now I’m waiting for the kick-off. I’m really excited,” adding that the tournament would be a “win-win” for Africa.