FIFA President Sepp Blatter said that he wants his detractors to "stand up and take him on in a FIFA presidential election rather than just criticise him." Blatter said, "If I were not criticized, I would not have any value. People who say I should not be a candidate or I should not get elected, they can take the risk to be in an election. I took the risk in 1998." Blatter's words "appeared to be aimed" at UEFA President Michel Platini, who is seen as a "possible rival to Blatter." Blatter is seen as "almost certain to run for what would be a fifth term in next year's election although he has not made any official announcement" (REUTERS, 8/9). ... Boxing India on Friday said it will conduct "fresh elections" on Sept. 11 after being directed by the Int'l Boxing Association (AIBA). BI said in a press release, "Boxing India has decided to call fresh elections for the posts of President, Secretary General, Treasurer, 10 Vice Presidents and 7 members of Executive Council of Boxing India, in consultation with AIBA." The AIBA had "provisionally approved the Boxing India as the new governing body for the sport in the country in May this year" (PTI, 8/9). ... The French government has called on the French Football League (LFP) to take action after violence marred Saturday's Ligue 1 match between Bastia and Marseille. Police "clashed with supporters outside the stadium both before and after" the game in Corsica, with fans "throwing stones and explosive devices." A government statement said the violence "left 44 policemen injured" (BBC, 8/10).
