FIFA: "I can not be the new president, because I am the old president" (Joseph Blatter)

"On 26 of February, FIFA will have a new president. I will not be a candidate for the election in 2016. And I can not be the new president, because I am the old president," stated Joseph Blatter, the president of the international federation, on 20/07/2015 in Zurich (SUI), following the extraordinary Executive Committee meeting which determined the timetable for the election of his successor.

"The process begins today. I extend my best wishes to all, including Michel Platini," added Blatter. "Friday 26/02/2016 there will be the extraordinary FIFA Congress in Zurich (SUI) which will elect the president of the international federation," FIFA announced on 20/07/2015.

The FIFA statutes mandate that presidential candidates must declare their interest at least four months before the election: therefore, 26/10/2015 will be the deadline for applications. In view of the elections to be held in February 2016, the FIFA ad hoc election commission will convene for the first time on 21/07/2015.

"We decided to create a task force for reforms" (Joseph Blatter, 20/07/2015)

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