Embattled FIFA President Sepp Joseph Blatter has thrown his hat in the ring in support of Africa producing the next FIFA President.
Two Nigerians, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu and Chief Segun Odegbami, have indicated interest in the plum job.
Speaking on a local Swiss radio station over the weekend, Blatter said Africa had contributed so much to the development of football that it would not be out of place if the continent produces the next FIFA president.
“Africa can produce the next FIFA president, why not. Nigeria is an interesting football country which has participated in all FIFA competitions, winning the U-17 World Cup four times and doing well at the. big stage. Other continents should support Nigeria because of her pedigree. The world should give Nigeria a chance because she can bring a lot of positive developments to world football. “
Meanwhile, Blattter has also urged FIFA to stick to the time table for the elections, affirming that this would ensure the credibility of the process.
CAF is expected to meet in Cairo next week to consider the candidacy of Kalu and Odegbami for the FIFA top job.
There is a proposal to bar any past FIFA Executive Committee members from contesting the election due to their indictments over allegations of corruption.
•Excerpted from a ThisDay report. Photo shows Orji Uzor Kalu.
.webp&w=256&q=75)
NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s leading online newspaper. Published by Africa’s international award-winning journalist, Mr. Isaac Umunna, NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s first truly professional online daily newspaper. It is published from Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and media hub, and has a provision for occasional special print editions. Thanks to our vast network of sources and dedicated team of professional journalists and contributors spread across Nigeria and overseas, NEWS EXPRESS has become synonymous with newsbreaks and exclusive stories from around the world.
