Fifa to elect new president to replace Sepp Blatter next year

Fifa says a presidential election will be held on 26 February 2016 to elect a successor to Sepp Blatter.

The announcement came as the executive committee of world football's governing body met in Zurich. It is the first time it has met since seven officials were arrested in May as part of an American investigation into alleged corruption and bribery.

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Rival criticises Fifa presidency candidate Platini

Michel Platini has been described as a "product of the system" by one his fellow Fifa presidency candidates.

Chung Mong-Joon, a former Fifa vice-president from South Korea, confirmed he would challenge for football's top job last week.

A long-time critic of outgoing president Sepp Blatter, Chung has called for a non-European to be elected president.

Chung Mong-Joon doesn't want Platini as president. Credit: PA

He told BBC's World Football programme: "It will be very difficult for Mr Platini to have any meaningful reforms. Mr Platini enjoys institutional support from the current structure of Fifa. Mr Platini is very much a product of the current system.

"It is time that Fifa had a non-European leadership. Fifa became a closed organisation for President Blatter, his associates and his cronies and I want to change that.

"If I get elected, my job is not to enjoy the luxury of the office. My job is to change it."

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Blatter's anti-corruption speech interrupted by prank

Sepp Blatter's attempt to outline his plans for an anti-corruption taskforce was interrupted by comedian Simon Brodkin today.

The prankster, whose stage name is Lee Nelson, threw bank notes at the 79-year-old, saying: "Here you go Sepp."

Blatter - who resigned in June following the arrest of several Fifa officials on suspicion of corruption and bribery - said the reforms would include enhance centralised integrity checks for Fifa members and presidential term-limits.

ITV News Correspondent Dan Rivers reports:

Blatter: Fifa to set up 11-person reforms task force

Comedian Lee Nelson showered Blatter in bank notes before the news conference. Credit: Reuters

Fifa President Sepp Blatter announced a range of reforms at football's world governing body during a news conference today.

Blatter, who earlier had bank notes thrown at him, said an 11-person task force would be set up to develop the proposals.

The 79-year-old said the reforms would include enhance centralised integrity checks for executive committee members, the introduction of term limits and higher standards of governance.

He said: "Now I think with this we are on the right track with improved governance and greater accountability."

Comedian throws money at Blatter during conference

A comedian has thrown "bank notes" at Fifa President Sepp Blatter during a press conference in Zurich.

The comedian Simon Brodkin - playing the character of footballer Jason Bent - said the money was "for North Korea 2026".

He was taken away by security but not before throwing the bundle over a shocked Blatter.

Brodkin, best known for his comedy creation Lee Nelson, invaded the stage during Kanye West's performance at Glastonbury last month.

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Platini 'backed by confederations for FIFA presidency'

Michel Platini is still undecided whether to run for the FIFA presidency. Credit: PA

UEFA president Michel Platini has the backing of four out of six continental soccer confederations if he runs for the FIFA presidency, a source has told Reuters.

The Frenchman, who is still undecided whether to run, was repeatedly promised support during a meeting at a lakeside hotel in Zurich on Sunday, the source said.

Sepp Blatter was re-elected for a fifth term at FIFA president in May but then announced on June 2 he would step aside.

Kofi Annan should lead FIFA reforms, say campaigners

Campaigners want Kofi Annan to lead an independent reform process at FIFA. Credit: PA

Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan should lead independent reforms to FIFA, campaign groups have said.

As FIFA's executive committee met to discuss reforms and a timetable for a new president to be elected, campaigners told a press conference in Zurich they had made contact with Mr Annan.

Jaimie Fuller, co-founder of New FIFA Now, said: "We are calling for Kofi Annan to come into this mess and take control of the reform process."

Tim Noonan, of international trade union body ITUC, added: "We have spoken to Kofi Annan...he has indicated that he (would be) open to receiving a proposal, the initial contact has been made."

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