UEFA defends decision not to invite Blatter

UEFA officials yesterday defended their decision not to invite Josef S Blatter, FIFA's controversial secretary general, to attend their annual congress in Dublin today.

Traditionally, FIFA's president and the secretary general are invited to congress, but while the Dr Joao Havelange will be in attendance to receive a presentation, marking his imminent retirement as president, Blatter will not.

Instead, the deputy general secretary, Michel Zen-Ruffinen will accompany Havelange and that is interpreted by some as a blatant attempt to disadvantage Blatter, who is standing against UEFA's president, Lennart Johansson for the vacant FIFA presidency.

UEFA's Gerhard Aigner, an influential figure, said that the revised arrangements came about because Blatter had resigned his post with FIFA at a meeting on April 8th to contest the election and, in the circumstances, it was wholly correct that his deputy should now take up the invitation.

But, Aigner was asked, if this statement was correct how could Blatter circularise all UEFA member associations about his candidature within the the last 10 days, signing himself as FIFA's secretary general in the process?

"There are a number of things which need to be clarified about Mr Blatter's candidature - and that's one of them," said Aigner. "It seems that Dr Havelange notified his executive committee of Mr Blatter's resignation on April 8th but omitted to inform the public. It seems it was done on purpose."

The bitter feud evident here, described by one observer as more of a schism than an election, reflects the huge divisions within the game as the rival power blocs of Europe and the Americas get ready for the decisive vote in Paris in June.

Johansson, who acknowledged yesterday that his worldwide electioneering campaign is being financed by UEFA, has the committed support of all the European national federations with the notable exception of Denmark.

Blatter, who unlike the Swede, is campaigning on a platform of more of the same, is funding his own operation but holds the distinct advantage of being privy to the complex infrastructure of FIFA.

At a meeting of the outgoing executive committee of UEFA - the new one will be elected this morning - concern was concerned about the growing practice of individuals or groups holding the controlling interest in more than one club participating in the same competition.

It is a serious problem which has surfaced in the last year and UEFA acknowledge that it is a difficult one to police adequately. Under questioning, Aigner said hat they were aware of one investment group holding an interest in no fewer than five clubs.

A directive on the matter is expected shortly from the European Commission, but in the meantime all national federations are urged to remain vigilant.

Barcelona won their first league and Cup double in 39 years last night by beating Mallorca on penalties in a pulsating Spanish Cup Final. Ruud Hesp rounded off in a fine debut season for Barcelona by saving from Xabier Eskurza to clinch 5-4 win.