FIFA president makes election appeal to 208 voters

GENEVA, Apr 20 (AP): FIFA's president has asked FIFA voters to reject revolution and re-elect him president on June 1. In a letter to 208 national associations published Wednesday, Sepp Blatter insists he can provide "stability, continuity and reliability" in a world of political and economic turmoil. Blatter also promised to spread $1 billion among FIFA members for development projects over the next four years, and tackle the threats of "corruption, match-fixing and doping." It's Blatter's first campaign statement since being challenged last month by his former ally Mohamed bin Hammam of Qatar, who is not mentioned in the four-page manifesto. The 75-year-old Swiss, who has led soccer's world governing body since 1998, seeks a fourth four-year term that he says will be his last. "I have all the motivation, experience, ideas and energy necessary to complete my mission," Blatter wrote. With FIFA often accused of corruption on his watch, Blatter also promised a strong monitoring role for its ethics committee. "I will ensure discipline, respect and fair play on and off the field," he said. Blatter's announcement comes one month after Bin Hammam, the Asian Football Confederation president, launched his campaign in Kuala Lumpur.