Blatter set for third term as FIFA president

Blatter set for third term as FIFA president

Sepp Blatter is set for a third term as FIFA president after it was announced he was the only candidate for next month’s presidential election.

The world governing body announced on its website today that no other candidate had entered the election by the March 31 deadline, effectively confirming Blatter as FIFA president until 2011.

The announcement said that 66 member associations had nominated Blatter, aged 71, for the election, which is due to take place at the FIFA Congress in Zurich on May 31.

Blatter, who declared his intention to stand again at FIFA Congress last year, said: “I wish to thank all of the associations who have demonstrated their trust in me in this way.

“Over the past nine years, I have managed to overcome a range of difficulties and bring about several improvements thanks to their help and to the support of other members of the global football family.

“During my third period of office, football will acquire a more pronounced and extensive social role.”

Despite being unopposed, Blatter still plans to announce his election manifesto at the FIFA Congress in Zurich’s Hallenstadion.