Bin Hammam set to take on Blatter

FIFA presidential challenger Mohamed Bin Hammam has claimed the development of football has come to virtual standstill and that it is time for Sepp Blatter to stand down after 13 years as football's most powerful man.

The 61-year-old Qatari, once Blatter's most loyal ally, will run against the 75-year-old in the election on June 1, claiming it is time he steps down after 13 years as president.

Bin Hammam told Press Association Sport: "I will limit myself to a maximum of eight years. If I am elected I will bring the proposal back so that the president of FIFA remains only for eight years. Mr Blatter came wanting eight years, two mandates, then 12 years and three mandates, and now four mandates and actually nothing is changing in the last three or four years."

Bin Hammam, who will meet the Football Association next month as part of his campaign, has promised more transparency in FIFA and open voting for World Cup bidding. He also promised to protect Britain's privileged position on the world governing body.

Blatter owes much to the Asian confederation chairman for his backing during the bitter 1998 and 2002 presidential election campaigns, but now his old supporter is gunning for him.

Bin Hammam added: "I was a supporter of Blatter and I have never regretted anything about that - he has contributed a lot for the development of the game.

"But he has been there a long time in that position. There must be the question: Mr President - when is it enough?

"I am not saying I am the Godfather of football but I don't see anything moving, anything changing.

"Most of what we are seeing and hearing is criticism from outside towards FIFA and most of the time I don't think it's fair. This is what is driving me."

Bin Hammam admitted that the pair had fallen out over FIFA issues in recent years but insisted they were not enemies, and added: "I see him as a friend. I wish that although I am presenting my candidacy he doesn't consider me as his enemy."