Blatter wants stable FIFA

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has set out his manifesto for a fourth term in the job by promoting the need for stability, not revolution.

Blatter, who is running against Asian confederation chief Mohammed bin Hammam in the June 1 election, sent out a letter to all 208 FIFA member associations on Wednesday debating that Hammam’s proposed reforms are unnecessary.

Hammam’s manifesto contains a number of proposed changes to the way FIFA is operated, including the creation of 17 new delegate positions in a dramatic restructure of the body’s executive committee.

“In these challenging times FIFA needs first of all stability, continuity and reliability,” Blatter, who will step down in 2015 if re-elected, said in the letter.

“We do not need revolution within FIFA but the continuous evolution and improvement of our game and our organisation.”

The 75-year-old Swiss, who has been dogged by accusations of corruption during his years as world football’s most powerful man, has also promised to rid the game of bribery, match-fixing and doping with a policy of ‘zero tolerance’.

“I have all the motivation, experience, ideas and energy needed to complete my mission,” the letter read.

“I have decided to stand for my fourth and final term as president because in these uncertain times, FIFA needs stability to secure all that we have achieved so far and to make essential changes to our beautiful game. I am ready, let’s go for it – together.”

The FIFA boss also promised additional financial rewards for member associations in the event of a successful 2014 Brazil World Cup, similar to the unscheduled payments divided out following the South Africa finals.

On top of those handouts, Blatter has pledged US$1 billion to football development over the next four years, as well as the creation of a task-force charged with enhancing the ‘attractiveness’ of the game by looking at the laws of football, refereeing and other technical handouts.