FIFA will not stand in the way of Celtic and Rangers joining the English league in the unlikely event that the move is cleared by the FA, Scottish FA and UEFA. "This is a local issue," a FIFA spokesman said yesterday. "If everybody agrees, there is no need for us to intervene."
Issa Hayatou formally launches his campaign for the FIFA presidency in Paris today promising to restore the world governing body's reputation after allegations of corruption.and financial mismanagement. Hayatou, who is the only challenger to Sepp Blatter, will also release his election manifesto outlining plans for greater transparency in FIFA's finances and more accountability in the way the organisation is run.
FIFA is in a state of near civil war as it prepares for what is expected to be a closely fought, bitter election.
Many of the antagonists will be in Miami this weekend for the CONCACAF congress, the meeting of central and north American FAs. Blatter and Hayatou will be there to gather support.
Jack Warner and Chuck Blazer, Concacaf representatives on FIFA's executive committee, have accused FIFA's general secretary Michel Zen-Ruffinen of secretly campaigning for Hayatou. Zen-Ruffinen has denied the allegation and threatened to sue.
