Share

Bayern boss lashes out at UEFA

Munich - Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has criticised UEFA for lacking a coherent position in the search for a candidate to stand against FIFA president Joseph Blatter in elections in May.

Asked in an interview by Germany's Kicker magazine Monday whether the European football union was making a good impression in the candidacy issue, Rummenigge said: "Most of all not a consistent one, one has to look at that critically."

Although opposing the reelection of Blatter, UEFA has not put forward a candidate to challenge his leadership.

But Rummenigge said a UEFA candidate would in any case have no chance against Blatter.

"Even (UEFA president) Michel Platini would have no chance against Blatter," he said.

"As long as he (Blatter) is a candidate he will win. His power base is too big, the large majority will vote for him."

UEFA's executive committee was meeting in Nyon, Switzerland Monday, when the question of a possible candidate was thought likely to be discussed.

The deadline for nominations is Thursday.

Blatter is seeking a fifth term as president at elections at the FIFA Congress on May 29 in Zurich.

So far three rival candidates - former FIFA official Jerome Champagne, Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan and former France international David Ginola - have stated their interest in challenging 78-year-old Blatter.

Platini has said he would not run against Blatter but has welcomed Prince Ali's intention to stand.

Blatter was also critical of UEFA, saying in an interview with CNN Saturday, the European body lacked the "courage" to challenge his leadership.

"All this opposition is coming now, it's unfortunate to say - but it's true - it's coming from UEFA," he told CNN World Sport.

"They don't have the courage to come in. So let me go (on) - be respectful."

Blatter has massive support from five of the six FIFA confederations, but not from Europe.

Under FIFA regulations, each candidate for the presidential elections requires nominations from five member federations and must have played an active role on football in two of the past five years.

It is unclear whether any of the prospective candidates to rival Blatter will receive the nominations they need to enter the presidential race.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
53% - 8 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
47% - 7 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE