Football
ESPN staff 9y

FIFA: Harold Mayne-Nicholls may challenge Sepp Blatter

The official who led FIFA's inspection of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding nations is considering a challenge to Sepp Blatter for president.

Chilean Football Federation president Harold Mayne-Nicholls has until late January to submit his candidacy for the election in world football's governing body in May.

The 53-year-old told the Associated Press by e-mail that he is "studying the situation. It is a possibility at the moment."

He told kierradnedge.com on Tuesday: "A decision is not necessary before Jan. 28 next year. The election is on May 29, so we have all of October, November, December and January. That means four months to check everything so that the people who have contacted me -- and whom I have contacted -- can assess the best way forward."

Mayne-Nicholls -- who has to show he has played an "active role" in football for two of the past five years and has the support of at least five FIFA members -- added to the same website that there is an urgent need for new leadership in the game's most powerful organisation.

"I wrote a column a few months ago for El Pais in Spain in which I point out the need for fresh air," he said. "What has happened lately has not served the image of FIFA or, indirectly, football.

"There is a complete disconnect between what the fans think is needed and the administration of the game.

"That leads me to believe that you can both accomplish change while maintaining what works well. I do not think it is wise, in the long term, to maintain both the same individuals and structures."

Blatter is seeking a fifth four-year term as president, with former FIFA official Jerome Champagne the only other declared candidate.

UEFA president Michel Platini confirmed in August that he will not run against Blatter in order to continue his work in charge of European football's governing body.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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