Sepp
Blatter has fuelled speculation about his future by insisting he has
not resigned as FIFA president but will lay down his mandate at a
special congress.
Blatter announced on June 2 he would step
down from the FIFA presidency at an extraordinary congress to be held
between December and March. It followed the crisis that engulfed FIFA
with 18 people indicted in the United States on football-related
corruption charges.
Now, in what is seen by some
as a mischief-making attempt to unsettle his critics, Blatter used his
first public appearance since his announcement to say: 'I have not
resigned, I put my mandate in the hands of an extraordinary congress.'
It follows reports in the Swiss media that Blatter may consider putting
his name forward again after being contacted by supportive national
associations.
Speaking at the FIFA Museum, Blatter also added,
according to Swiss newspaper Blick: 'Only those who know the past can
understand the present and shape the future. Or in other words: the ball
is round - but only those who come from outer space know the actual
dimensions of our sport.'
On June 2, Blatter announced at a press
conference that he would 'lay down (his) mandate at an extraordinary
elective congress' but until that election, would continue as president.
He did add, however, that the election would be for his 'successor' and said at the time: 'I shall not be a candidate.'
Blatter
is himself reportedly under investigation by the FBI and his attendance
at the women's World Cup final in Canada next week appears to be in
jeopardy due to the twin investigations by American and Swiss justice
authorities.
Credit: SportsMail
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