Outgoing Blatter Reveals Reform Plans

20 Jul 2015 | tshego

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Outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter has revealed a number of changes at a news conference on Monday, including the introduction of a new taskforce of 11 people to look at reforming football’s world governing body.

Proposals for reform will include term limits for presidents and integrity checks for top officials, according to Blatter – who announced he would stand down in June – just four days after being re-elected president.

The 79 year old also confirmed that it will hold an extraordinary congress to elect its new president on 26th February 2016.

Blatter believes the steps to reform could be his legacy, adding: “I am still the elected president by 133 associations and I will use my mandate as president in a responsibility and mission to make sure that at the end of February I can say FIFA has started to reform and to rebuild the reputation of FIFA.”

Meanwhile, Michel Platini, the UEFA president, has reportedly secured assurances of support from four of the six continental football Confederations, should he decide to run.

The 60-year-old former French football captain later said in a statement: “We now have a concrete date and can look forward to new leadership which will bring with it new ideas and new solutions.”

A FIFA media release made clear that candidates were now able to declare their interest in running. The deadline for written submissions has been fixed at October 26.

These must be accompanied by declarations of support from at least five FIFA Member Associations.

During the conference Blatter was showered with banknotes by British comedian Simon Brodkin, otherwise known as Lee Nelson.