FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who said in 2011 he would steer soccer's ruling body through troubled waters, isn't anywhere near land.
Brazil is readying for street protests over $3.6 billion of public spending on the 2014 World Cup, which starts in two days in Sao Paulo. About two weeks after the tournament ends, a panel will submit a report into alleged bribery of soccer officials before Qatar was awarded the 2022 edition. Blatter said Monday the accusations were part of a plot to destroy FIFA.
Against that backdrop, at a two-day congress starting in Sao Paulo on Monday, Blatter will ask officials from 209 national associations for their support to stand for a fifth four-year term next year. Three years after saying he wouldn't stand again, Blatter, 78, said in a video released May 30 his "mission is never finished."