The prospect of Sepp Blatter continuing as FIFA president into his early 80s is a step nearer following confirmation that he's standing for a fifth term of office next year.
Fifa president Sepp Blatter Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Blatter, who will be 79 when the votes are cast next June and who was first elected 16 years ago, confirmed his candidature for another term as president in a recorded interview transmitted to delegates at the Soccerex Global Convention.
He says his mission is never finished, and he'll of officially telling members of FIFA's executive committee of his candidature in Zurich at the end of this month.
The news comes as little surprise as Blatter had dropped strong hints he would stand again and if he sees out his potential four-year term he will be 83 by the time of the next planned election in 2019.
The only other declared candidate is the former FIFA deputy secretary general Frenchman Jerome Champagne, although his campaign is independent of UEFA's backing and might well be cancelled now Blatter has declared his interest.
Blatter says that if he were re-elected a TV replay system allowing coaches to challenge a referee's decision may be trialled next year.
He says he wants coaches to be allowed at least one challenge per half.
He revealed the trial could happen at next year's Fifa Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand.
Blatter says it can only be done where there is television coverage of all the matches.
He says the on-field referee would have the final say on whether to change their own decision.
