FIFA President Sepp Blatter said women's football is "limping behind" the men's game in both profile and sponsorship, according to Caroline Rigby of the BBC. The 79-year-old also thinks football is too "macho" and wants governing bodies around the world to employ more females in positions of influence. Blatter said he feels like "a little bit of a godfather" to women's football. Blatter: "To get new partners for women's football is difficult because the focus is on men's football." Karen Espelund, the only female member of UEFA's exec committee, said that women can "add value" to football and football's appeal. Espelund said, "Football is by far the biggest sport in the world and the professional men's football is an extremely strong position" (BBC, 5/7). The AP reported in a "rare interview during his campaign to win re-election, Blatter did not directly address his pursuit of a fifth term in office to extend his 17-year presidential reign." However, he "did promise to attend the month-long women’s tournament in Canada whatever the election result." Blatter: "I am very eager to know if 24 teams is the right number" (AP, 5/7).
