FIFA President Sepp Blatter "formally joined a FIFA presidential contest he is widely expected to win," according to the AP.
Blatter "published a low-key message on Twitter confirming an expected bid to extend his scandal-scarred, 17-year leadership of football's wealthy governing body by four more years." Europe's "anti-Blatter strategy intensified" on Wednesday when former Portugal int'l Luis Figo "became a surprise contender," and UEFA ExCo member Michael van Praag of the Netherlands "set out manifesto highlights including the clearest incentive yet for voters" (AP, 1/29). REUTERS' Simon Curtis reported Figo's decision to enter FIFA's presidential election "has received a positive reaction in his native Portugal even though he faces a seemingly impossible task" to unseat incumbent Blatter in May. Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) President Fernando Gomes: "This is a great honour for the Portuguese Football Federation. We stated at the beginning of our mandate we would do our utmost to elevate the FPF's influence and standing in the decision-making bodies of international football. Luis Figo (is) a person whose tremendous qualities we readily recognize."
Minister for Sport Emídio Guerreiro "also offered government backing for the former midfield playmaker." He said,
"The candidacy of a Portuguese for one of the highest offices in world sport demonstrates that our country continues to reveal itself capable and competent in the face of the most important challenges" (REUTERS, 1/29).
