Broadcasters propose FIFA election debate to Blatter, rivals

LONDON — Sepp Blatter and his three FIFA presidential election rivals have been invited to participate in a television debate by the BBC and Sky.

The London-based broadcasters have written to the candidates proposing a one-hour “fans’ congress” live on their globally available channels, websites and Facebook ahead of the election in May.

The 78-year-old Blatter is seeking a fifth, four-year term running football. FIFA Vice President for Asia HRH Prince Ali, Portugal great Luis Figo and Dutch Football Association Chief Michael van Praag want to end Blatter’s reign, which began in 1998.

Prince Ali and Figo have already said publicly they are willing to participate in a debate. In a letter to Blatter seen by The Associated Press, Sky and BBC wrote: “There is significant interest from other candidates.”

The broadcasters would invite supporters representing the 209 FIFA member nations to the debate, with questions coming from the audience and viewers worldwide. They want to air the debate in April or May and a moderator is yet to be decided.

Unlike his rivals, Blatter has not published any details of his plans for FIFA if he wins the secret May 29 election of the 209 national associations.

“We believe this will present an unprecedented opportunity for the candidates to set out their plans and communicate directly with fans from around the world,” Sky News said in a statement. “We hope for a positive response from all four candidates.”

The English Football Association, which has been one of the most vocal anti-Blatter voices in world football, offered its national stadium as a debate location.

“I would love to see the four candidates for this election get in a room together and be questioned,” FA chairman Greg Dyke said. “We would happily host it at Wembley.”

Meanwhile, Blatter is concerned by a study that highlighted the scale of Russian football’s racism problem ahead of the 2018 World Cup, warning there “must be some sanctions” if the extremism is not eradicated.

A report produced by the Fare network, an organisation that combats discrimination in football, and the Moscow-based SOVA Centre showed that Russia is plagued by a racist and far-right extremist fan culture.

“I am aware of the report,” Blatter told The Associated Press. “We are concerned, definitely.”

Blatter’s approach to combating racism faced criticism before FIFA eventually introduced tougher sanctions in 2013, which can see a team being banned from a tournament for repeat offences by a club or its fans.

Blatter spoke last July to Russian President Vladimir Putin about making the tackling of racism a priority, but cases have continued to blight the 2018 World Cup host nation, including in high-profile Champions League games.

“Education, definitely is required, and if it does not stop then there must be some sanctions,” Blatter said on the sidelines of meeting of football rule-makers. “We have started a big education programme with them. They are aware of the situation.”

The “Time for Action” report on Russian racism, which the AP revealed on Friday, details dozens of cases of discriminatory behaviour linked to Russian football over two seasons and warned that “it will be difficult to ensure the safety of visitors” to the World Cup.