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Geneva - Sepp Blatter has asked FIFA voters to reject revolution and re-elect him president on June 1.
In a letter to 208 national associations published on Wednesday, Blatter insists he can provide "stability, continuity and reliability" in a world of political and economic turmoil.
Blatter also promised to spread $1 billion among FIFA members for development projects over the next four years, and tackle the threats of "corruption, match-fixing and doping."
It's Blatter's first campaign statement since being challenged last month by his former ally Mohamed bin Hammam of Qatar, who is not mentioned in the four-page manifesto.
The 75-year-old Swiss, who has led football's world governing body since 1998, seeks a fourth four-year presidential term that he says will be his last.
"I have all the motivation, experience, ideas and energy necessary to complete my mission," Blatter wrote.
With FIFA often accused of corruption on his watch, Blatter also promised a strong monitoring role for its ethics committee.
"I will ensure discipline, respect and fair play on and off the field," he said.
Blatter's announcement follows one month after Bin Hammam, the Asian Football Confederation president, launched his campaign in Kuala Lumpur.
Bin Hammam has pledged to share more of FIFA's power with its six continental confederations, and increase annual grants to the 208 members.
The 61-year-old Qatari, who played a key role in his country winning the 2022 World Cup hosting rights, also promised to create a transparency panel to help restore public faith in FIFA.
Blatter's letter opened with descriptions of a world affected by "natural and nuclear catastrophes," financial turmoil and "political instability and revolution in many regions."
"In these challenging times, FIFA needs first stability, continuity and reliability," said Blatter, who was secretary general for 17 years before becoming president.
Shifting power to the six confederations, as Bin Hammam proposes, would "bring the football pyramid out of balance," Blatter said.
"We do not need revolution within FIFA, but the continuous evolution and improvement of our game and our organization," he added.
Blatter reminded voters that FIFA has organised 49 tournaments, including three World Cups, under his leadership and vastly increased revenues and spending, thanks to "the professionalism of FIFA's administration."
"As you will recall, FIFA did not have any reserves in 1998," he said. FIFA now has $1.2 billion banked.
"Football is my life, FIFA is my life," Blatter said.
In a letter to 208 national associations published on Wednesday, Blatter insists he can provide "stability, continuity and reliability" in a world of political and economic turmoil.
Blatter also promised to spread $1 billion among FIFA members for development projects over the next four years, and tackle the threats of "corruption, match-fixing and doping."
It's Blatter's first campaign statement since being challenged last month by his former ally Mohamed bin Hammam of Qatar, who is not mentioned in the four-page manifesto.
The 75-year-old Swiss, who has led football's world governing body since 1998, seeks a fourth four-year presidential term that he says will be his last.
"I have all the motivation, experience, ideas and energy necessary to complete my mission," Blatter wrote.
With FIFA often accused of corruption on his watch, Blatter also promised a strong monitoring role for its ethics committee.
"I will ensure discipline, respect and fair play on and off the field," he said.
Blatter's announcement follows one month after Bin Hammam, the Asian Football Confederation president, launched his campaign in Kuala Lumpur.
Bin Hammam has pledged to share more of FIFA's power with its six continental confederations, and increase annual grants to the 208 members.
The 61-year-old Qatari, who played a key role in his country winning the 2022 World Cup hosting rights, also promised to create a transparency panel to help restore public faith in FIFA.
Blatter's letter opened with descriptions of a world affected by "natural and nuclear catastrophes," financial turmoil and "political instability and revolution in many regions."
"In these challenging times, FIFA needs first stability, continuity and reliability," said Blatter, who was secretary general for 17 years before becoming president.
Shifting power to the six confederations, as Bin Hammam proposes, would "bring the football pyramid out of balance," Blatter said.
"We do not need revolution within FIFA, but the continuous evolution and improvement of our game and our organization," he added.
Blatter reminded voters that FIFA has organised 49 tournaments, including three World Cups, under his leadership and vastly increased revenues and spending, thanks to "the professionalism of FIFA's administration."
"As you will recall, FIFA did not have any reserves in 1998," he said. FIFA now has $1.2 billion banked.
"Football is my life, FIFA is my life," Blatter said.
