Suspended Sepp Blatter has thrown his weight behind
former Abia state Governor Orji Uzor Kalu to become
the next FIFA president.
Blatter had stated that Africa can produce the next FIFA
president when new elections are held in February.
Speaking in Zurich, the 79-year-old this time backed
the candidature of Orji Uzor Kalu who he believes has
what it takes to head world football governing body,
Vanguard reports.
READ ALSO: Blatter Wants A Nigerian To Succed Him
As FIFA President
Blatter said: “The position of the FIFA president is too
important to be left to just anybody. I have heard of
some candidates who want to take over from me. But I
find the Businessman from Nigeria Kalu very qualified
and interesting because he is not only a businessman,
but a politician with lots of contacts and corporate
experience. He can bring his great experiences to bear
in the running of world football.
“He is passionate about the game. I remember how he
sponsored one of Nigerian clubs to win the CAF
championship twice. He is a man that can take world
football to the next level”, Blatter told the told the Swiss
radio monitored on sunday

According to Blatter, it was in the best interest of Africa
to nominate Kalu because of his deep passion for the
game.
“If Africa hopes to win the support of other federations,
then they must queue behind the Nigerian business
man. Football has developed beyond just anybody
taking over.

“I sacked Jerome Champgne in 2010 so how can he
come back to lead an Association he tried to destroy.
You need a man who can command respect and win
friends for football.

“With Kalu Africa stands a better chance, he concluded.
CAF is expected to meet next week to decide on a
candidate for the election scheduled for next year. Orji
Kalu and Segun Odegbami are the two candidates vying
for the post from Africa.”

CAF  is expected to meet in Cairo this week to discuss
the candidacy of Kalu and Odegbami.
Other contenders include Michel Platini, the French
president of European federation UEFA, South Korean
Chung Mong-joon, a former Asian vice-president of
FIFA as well as the old Brazilian World Cup star Zico
and former Trinidad and Tobago international David
Nakhid. The South African businessman Tokyo Sexwale
is also considering a bid.
The election to replace current FIFA president Sepp
Blatter will hold on February 26, 2016 in Switzerland.