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BBC Sport Online: Football: Africa


Sunday, 31 March, 2002, 10:34 GMT 11:34 UK

Milla: Africa faces difficult choice

Roger Milla shoots against Brazil
Roger Milla in action against Brazil during Italia '90

Cameroonian legend Roger Milla believes the forthcoming Fifa presidential election has presented Africa with a difficult choice.

Milla's fellow-countryman Issa Hayatou will challenge Sepp Blatter for the leadership of world football on 29 May in Seoul, South Korea.


" It's not going to be easy to leave Blatter just like that to support an African. "
Roger Milla

But the former Indomitable Lion says choosing between the two candidates will not be easy for many on the continent despite the fact that Hayatou is an African.

He said: "It's hard for us who are already friends of Blatter, it's not going to be easy to leave Blatter just like that to support an African, even if he's my brother.

"I look at the man and he's a kind and correct man who has done a lot of things for Africa," said Milla, African Footballer of the Year in 1976 and 1990.


" All Africans have great regard for Hayatou. "
Roger Milla

Hayatou has been banking on widespread support from Africa in his battle to dethrone Blatter.

He claims the backing of major African federations such as South Africa, Nigeria and Egypt.

The continent's player of the century added: "All Africans have great regard for Hayatou, they support him and not only is he a friend but he's also my compatriot."

Milla played for Cameroon in three World Cups and was the oldest player in any finals at the age of 42 in 1994.


Related to this story:
Hayatou stands alone against Blatter (16 Mar 02 | Football)
Hayatou 'driven by 'passion' (27 Mar 02 | Africa)
Blatter rounds on critics (09 Mar 02 | Football)

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