BBC Sport Online: Football: Africa

Blatter denies Euro-sceptic charge

Blatter says he is working for the entire 'football family'

He made the comments after revealing to BBC Sport Online that the 2010 World Cup will "definitely" be held in Africa.

"Fifa needs Uefa and European football to promote the possibilities that African, Asian and South American footballers can play in big clubs," he told BBC Sport Online's Ben Williams.

Blatter also said that the number of European countries that reach the final stages of the World Cup should be examined.

"I still think that we should look into the distribution of the World Cup slots. Europe has 15 of the 32 slots for 2002. That's nearly half.

"We have already taken the decision that the winner of the World Cup will not qualify automatically next time. But this is not against Europe."

Blatter also said that he cannot understand why Uefa president Lennart Johannson opposes his re-election bid.

"Last year, he said that he was backing me and he has not told me why he has changed his mind."

On the proposal for a World Cup every two years, Blatter said that his idea annoyed those with vested interests.

"The idea has not been well received by the organiser of the big [European] club competitions because it will take away some of their revenue and economic power."

"But until the 2010 World Cup is organised, I have put this idea in the safe and I have lost the combination numbers."

Listen to the full Sepp Blatter interview on 'Inside Track', on the BBC World Service for Africa this Friday at 1645GMT/1745BST