Secret talks between FIFA officials and Sepp Blatter "have taken place over his future as the president of football's world governing body," according to Richard Conway of the BBC. The discussions, involving representatives from a number of football confederations, "are understood to have started in October 2013, at the celebrations for the English Football Association's 150th anniversary." Blatter "has since confirmed his intention to stand in May's presidential election and seek a fifth term of office." However, with the Jan. 29 deadline looming for candidates to declare their interest, "there is mounting concern" amongst several FIFA execs over the governing body's future direction and leadership. The "recent crisis within the governing body, stemming from an investigation into alleged World Cup bidding corruption that culminated last week in the resignation of ethics committee investigator Michael Garcia, could yet have far-reaching effects." One source described 78-year-old Blatter as being increasingly "weary" following years of "fire-fighting multiple scandals," a hectic work schedule and the "acrimonious fall-out" from the decision to award the next two World Cups to Russia and Qatar. FIFA sources "have also spoken of how, in light of recent events, a number of potential challengers are now weighing their candidacy options" (BBC, 12/22). REUTERS' Brian Homewood wrote Blatter is "invigorated" after last week's exec committee meeting in Marrakech. A source said, "He was invigorated by the whole event and he is finishing the year on a high note." The source added that "he had not heard any suggestion that Blatter would change his mind about standing." He said, "That is not our information at all." Blatter: "If there are problems inside FIFA as we have faced, then it's not the moment for the president, the man at the helm of FIFA, to say he will abandon his work" (REUTERS, 12/22).
