Blatter wants to run for FIFA president again

Published October 24th, 2013 - 04:43 GMT
Al Bawaba
Al Bawaba

Sepp Blatter has refused to rule out the possibility that he could extend his time as Fifa president beyond 2015 by standing for re-election.

The 77-year-old, who has held his position since 1998, had previously stated that his current term in office would be his last after being re-elected in 2011.

However, the Swiss has hinted that a change of heart could be in the offing after claiming he has a "mission" to complete before ending his 17-year stint.

"I'm now 38 years in Fifa and I have this mission and I want to fulfil my mission," he told BBC. "I feel young enough to be in this office and to make this office a success.

"It keeps you young also if you've got a mission - and I've got a mission."

Asked whether or not he could stand for another term, he said: "My intention is to finish this mandate. We are just starting the second half of the mandate. So ask me this question next year."

Blatter, who also earned re-election in 2002 and 2007 respectively, went on to champion the proposal of extending the terms to eight years, with a potential four-year extension.

He added: "This is a good approach and I would support it."

Blatter is the eighth president of Fifa, having succeeded Joao Havelange in 1998.

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