Blatter told not to seek fifth term as Fifa president

[RIO DE JANEIRO] European soccer leaders told Sepp Blatter not to run for a fifth term as president of Fifa, saying he's damaged the governing body's reputation during his 16 years in charge.

Mr Blatter, 78, has been meeting representatives from Fifa's 209 member associations to gather support for next year's vote, after reversing a decision to stand aside. His campaign comes amid pressure from sponsors over corruption allegations linked to the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar.

Mr Blatter took office in 1998 and the ruling body has had to deal with other crises, including the expulsion of Mohamed Bin Hammam, a former ally who stood against Mr Blatter in 2011. The Qatari quit the race days before an investigation into claims he tried to bribe voters in the Caribbean with envelopes stuffed with US$40,000, leaving Mr Blatter unopposed.