ZURICH/PARIS: Jerome Valcke has chained his FIFA future to that of president Sepp Blatter writes KEIR RADNEDGE.

Blatter said last week that he intended to announce, at congress next month in Sao Paulo, that is prepared to reverse his earlier intent and stand for a fifth term at the head of the world football federation.

Only French outsider Jerome Champagne has declared a candidacy thus far; UEFA president Michel Platini has held back amid increasing speculation that he will prefer to continue leading the European federation.

Valcke took time out from chasing Brazilian preparations for next month’s World Cup to answer questions about world federation politics – and the leadership issue – with France Info.

No surprises

He said: “For me, as secretary-general, what Blatter said was not a big surprise. I expected it and I think it clarifies matters which resolves a lot of speculation concerning the next FIFA presidential elecion in May next year.

“I think he will be re-elected which would suggest that I will remain as secretary-general for a further term.

“I have always said, and I say it clearly again, that I would not be secretary-general for anyone other than Blatter and when he decides to end his career at FIFA it will also be time for me to consider my future.”

Valcke shrugged off a question about a possible candidacy from Platini, saying: “Please don’t ask me to comment on what might be. I am again backing Blatter and thus I stay backing Blatter.”

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