The Fifa president, Sepp Blatter, has accused UEFA of lacking the courage to provide a challenge to his leadership and called on the European governing body to be respectful of his wish to continue in the role.
The 78-year-old is bidding for a fifth term as head of football’s world governing body and has urged UEFA to put someone up against him or be “respectful” of his wish to continue.
Speaking in an interview with CNN World Sport, the 78-year-old said: “I have been asked by the national associations to be our candidate again because nobody that is strong was in. So I go there.
“All those who want to get rid of me should come. All this opposition is coming now, it’s unfortunate to say – but it’s true – it’s coming from Nyon, from Uefa. They don’t have the courage to come in. So let me go [on] – be respectful.”
He continued: “Football is a team sport. Let’s go together with the team. I invite the confederation of Uefa and especially the leaders of Uefa that are so bitterly attacking me: Join! Join! Football is a unity”.
Three candidates have so far stated their intention to challenge Blatter; Frenchman Jerome Champagne, Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan and former star footballer David Ginola.
All must get the backing of at least five of the 209 member associations of FIFA by a deadline of January 29th to get on the ballot paper for the election on May 29.
