Asia expected to back Blatter

Asia expected to back Blatter

SEOUL: Most Asian nations will back FIFA president Sepp Blatter in his re-election bid this week, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) executive members said Monday.

The AFC held a special meeting in Seoul ahead of FIFA's special congress and presidential election this week to decide whether to back Blatter -- who has been accused of corruption and mismanagement -- or African Football Confederation (CAF) president Issa Hayatou.

AFC general secretary Peter Velappan said no formal decision to support Blatter or Hayatou was taken but AFC delegates to the FIFA congress on Tuesday and Wednesday indicated to AFP that Blatter was the favorite.

Korean Football Association chief Chung Mong-Joon spoke in favor of Hayatou at the meeting and AFC president Mohammad bin Hammam spoke for his ally Blatter. --AFP