Issa Hayatou: “I won’t contest February election,” interim FIFA president says
New FIFA president Issa Hayatou has revealed he will not stand for election next year.
Hayatou who heads Africa’s football confederation (CAF), emerged acting Fifa president following a 90-day ban slammed on Sepp Blatter.
“I will serve only on an interim basis,” Hayatou said in a statement on Thursday.
“A new President will be chosen by the Extraordinary Congress on 26 February 2016. I myself will not be a candidate for that position.
“Until the Extraordinary Congress, I pledge that I will dedicate my best efforts to the organisation, the member associations, our employees, our valued partners, and football fans everywhere.
“FIFA remains committed to the reform process, which is critical to reclaiming public trust. We will also continue to cooperate fully with authorities and follow the internal investigation wherever it leads.
“Football has never enjoyed greater support throughout the world, and that is something everyone associated with FIFA should be proud of.”
FIFA provisionally suspended president Sepp Blatter, secretary general Jerome Valcke and vice-president Michel Platini for 90 days.
The punishments were handed out by the ethics committee of football’s world governing body, which is investigating the three over corruption allegations, BBC is reporting.
FIFA also banned ex vice-president Chung Mong-joon for six years.
Hayatou, who heads CAF, will act as FIFA president during Blatter’s 90-day exile.
Spain’s Angel Maria Villar is expected to head UEFA – European football’s governing body – while Platini is suspended.
But Platini and Chung are still hoping to replace Blatter when he steps down as president in February.
