Fifa president Blatter confirms that he plans to run again next year despite saying 2011 would be his last.
The Swiss plans to make an ‘official declaration’ later in September to an executive committee.
The 78-year-old, speaking at Soccerex in Manchester, said: “You see, a mission is never finished. And my mission is not finished.
“And I have told the Fifa Congress, I have told the congresses of the confederations. Then I got – through the last congress in Sao Paulo – not only the impression but the support of the majority, a huge majority of national associations asking ‘Please go on, be our president also in future’.
“I would make an official declaration definitely in September now when we have the executive committee. I will inform the executive committee. It’s a question of respect also to say then to the football family, ‘Yes I will be ready. I will be a candidate’.”
Europe are the only continent to publicly oppose Blatter, whereas the other five continenatal bodies have expressed their support.
The deadline to register as a candidate is in January 2015 with the election taking place at the Fifa Congress next June.
The Soccerex Convention, where the interview took place, is the world’s largest football business event, which sees the global leaders in the business of football come together.
During the interview, Blatter discussed many controversial subjects, including the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and video referrals for referees.
Blatter explained that the World Cup in Qatar will have to be played in winter due to the severe heat over the summer period.
Consultation has already started with the players’ union FIFPro, clubs, leagues and the six continental federations about moving the tournament.
Discussions will be taking place on Monday and a decision is expected to be made in the coming months.
The Fifa president also wants managers to be allowed at least one challenge against a refereeing decision per half.
“They have the right in the half, twice or once, to challenge a refereeing decision but only when the game is stopped,” he said.
“Then, there must be a television monitor but by the television company and not by another referee.
“And then the referee and the coach, they will go then to look, and then the referee may change his mind, as it is the case in tennis, for instance.”
The trial could happen as early as next year.
“It can only be done where there is television coverage of all the matches,” added Blatter.
“Or in one Fifa competition, we can try in a youth competition, an Under-20, like next year when we are in New Zealand.”
Over the summer Greg Dyke, chairman of the FA, led calls for the Fifa president to stand down.
Blatter said: “I know Greg Dyke. He’s a man of communication. He’s a man who is really in all the media. He knows it works. And if he has an outburst once, then so what? I still respect him because I think he’s a good guy.
“He’s a good guy and when we will meet together, I don’t know, but he will not say the same thing now. I’m sure.”
“In football, this game that you start to play at the youngest possible level, you learn discipline, respect and fair play,” he said.
“If you’re at the higher level, you forget that this is discipline, respect and fair play. You’ve forgotten it.
“But, at least, don’t forget that in football, you learn to win but also to lose.
“Fair play was invented by England, Great Britain – the beautiful game and fair play. So let’s celebrate fair play.”
Blatter also encouraged England to bid again for the World Cup but hinted it was unlikely to feature again in Europe until at least 2034.
Main image courtesy of Al Jazeera via YouTube, with thanks.
