Soccer:Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed Bin Hammam has welcomed support from key figures inside the FA and dropped another hint he may challenge Sepp Blatter for Fifa's top job.
The English FA has privately indicated it would support any credible challenge to Blatter, though the board have yet to take a formal position. Bin Hammam has until March 31st to launch a challenge but is weighing up his chances for Blatter remains in a strong position.
The Qatari had hoped another challenger would emerge that he could back and he had promised to support Uefa president Michel Platini if he stands.
"The FA declaration is very encouraging," Bin Hammam told The Guardian. "Now people expect me to say something."
Asked about whether he would stand against Blatter, he replied: “People have to try change. Change is good.”
He added: “Within 10 days I will formally declare whether I will stand or not. I would 100 per cent support someone else. I have not spoken to Michel Platini for a long time but I told him that if he runs he’d have my full support. That remains the case.”
He added: “I am happy with [support in] most confederations but I don’t know about Europe and how they will deal with my candidacy. Europe is the core of football. I would like now to make a real assessment in Europe.”
Bin Hammam said he would make a decision before the Uefa Congress on March 20th.
The Fifa presidential election is due to take place in Zurich on June 1st.
