By RYAN TOLMICH
Incumbent FIFA president Sepp Blatter has already secured the support of one of the world’s major confederations.
Reuters reported Wednesday that the South American confederation (CONMEBOL) will support Sepp Blatter’s re-election as FIFA president in May. Blatter flew in to Paraguay on Tuesday and recently had lunch with Paraguayan president Horacio Cartes as well as several members of CONMEBOL’s member nations.
CONMEBOL is currently holding the confederation’s congress, which will see its president, Paraguayan Juan Angel Napout, handed another four-year term.
South America has historically been a friendly region for Blatter, and the confederation is expected to back proposals for a winter World Cup. Blatter is currently running against Michael van Praag of the Netherlands, former Portugal star Luis Figo and FIFA Vice President Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan.
Here are some more news and notes to kick off your Wednesday morning:
INZAGHI TO BE FIRED WITH LOSS THIS WEEKEND
Filippo Inzaghi has been on the hot seat for quite some time, but that hot seat will finally burn the former Italy star if he fails to get a result this weekend.
AC Milan will reportedly fire Inzaghi if the head coach fails to lead his side to victory this Saturday against Hellas Verona. Inzaghi was originally hired by the club in the summer of 2014 and has led the team to a current spot of 10th in Serie A.
Club president Silvio Berlusconi has not been seen at the San Siro for quite some time, and the club is reportedly already preparing a search for a new manager. The club’s hierarchy are reportedly frustrated with the lack of results, as well as the tactics displayed both on the field and in training during Inzaghi’s tenure.
PELE BACKS AUSTRALIAN WORLD CUP
Australia received only one of a possible 22 votes in the process of awarding the 2022 World Cup, but the country now have the backing of one of the game’s greats with regards to hosting a future tournament.
Pele says that Australia is plenty capable of being a quality World Cup host. The Brazilian legend’s comments echo those made my FIFA president Sepp Blatter earlier this year that stated that Australia “deserved” a chance to host the tournament.
“No doubt [Australia can host a World Cup]. I remember when I was in Australia a long time ago people already mentioned about Australia hosting the World Cup,” Pele said. “Now is the time, no doubt. The way to prepare for that is to have good players, good team and have some players play outside of Australia.
“I think no doubt Australia could host the World Cup.”
QUICK KICKS
Marco Reus’ injury exit of Tuesday’s DFB Pokal matchup against Dynamo Dresden was diagnosed as merely a bruised knee. (REPORT)
Barcelona’s Gerard Pique has been fined $11,650 for abusing police officers outside of a nightclub in October. (REPORT)
Midfielder Sami Khedira could return to the field as soon as Saturday for Real Madrid. (REPORT)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho insists that John Terry will get a new contract extension with the club. (REPORT)
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What do you think of CONMEBOL’s support of Blatter? Who should Milan chase as next manager should Inzaghi be fired? What would you think of an Australian World Cup?
Share your thoughts below.