UEFA continue campaign against FIFA boss Blatter

UEFA president Lennart Johansson says FIFA boss Sepp Blatter cannot get away with suspending an internal financial inquiry into the world governing body's cash crisis.

FIFA's emergency committee ratified Blatter's decision to suspend the investigation two weeks ago ahead of an executive meeting on May 3rd.

Doubts over FIFA's solvency persist after the collapse last year of its marketing wing ISL/ISMM.

Johansson says Blatter should now quit his plans to stand for re-election as FIFA president next month and a second term of office for the former Swiss marketing manager who surprisingly won football's top job in 1998 is untenable.

"I think it would be a good idea if Blatter withdrew his bid for the presidency of FIFA but I don't think he will. I am supporting Hayatou because he is a loyal, competent man with a lot of integrity," said Johannson today in Stockholm where UEFA's executive committee are meeting.

UEFA are backing the head of Africa's confederation Issa Hayatou in next month's election.

"I supported Blatter for four years. We had always had good natured talks until the autumn of last year when unexplained financial irregularities - difficult to pinpoint - cropped up.

"Blatter promised a thorough internal audit but he never kept his word. I never accused him of corruption but we still demand that the internal audit, illegally suspended, goes ahead on May 3rd - the date of FIFA's next executive committee meeting in Zurich."

"It's a very bizarre situation and I am unpleasantly surprised by what is happening. I feel guilty that this is tarnishing football's reputation."

"I also have my personal reputation to protect because I have been attacked by the FIFA president in personal letters and I just can't accept this."

Johansson claims Blatter wants to strip UEFA of World Cup places to hand to various backers in Asia, Africa and the Far East if he wins the vote next month.