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King Pele shows support for FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter. The president has been under heavy criticism lately. He is up for re-election in the presidential elections in Seoul in may. He's been accused of bribing his way to the 1998 elections and that he has broken most of his promises. He promised a World Cup every two years, a World Club Championship to challenge the Champions League, and a promise to South Africa that they, and not Germany, would host the 2006 World Cup... He's also been accused of telling lies about FIFA's finances.

The sports industry executives also voted against him. A stunning 70 per cent of those polled online by sportsbusiness.com website said they felt Blatter's reign should end and that he should not be re-elected for a further four-year term as president in Seoul in May. But as a lawyer by trade and a skilled politician, Blatter has somehow retained sufficient support when his failure to deliver on his promises should have turned his allies against him. Pele is a high profile personality with influences on both players and football executives, his endorsement could have some impact on the upcoming elections.

"Today, Brazilian legend Pelé praised the achievements of FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter during his first term in office, after attending the meeting of the FIFA Football Committee.

Pelé, who was talking to international media, said, ?it is important for world football that the FIFA President continues the work he started almost four years ago?.

?In particular, Blatter brought democracy to FIFA. Now the organisation is very transparent?, Pelé added. ?Furthermore, under his leadership he substantially extended development work by initiating both the Financial Assistance Programme and the Goal Programme in order to allow smaller, poorer national associations to improve their administrative and technical infrastructures and to develop education.?

As the third main achievement, Pelé mentioned the modernisation of the game under Blatter, who implemented the new international transfer regulations and co-ordinated the international calendar. He also furthered the professionalisation of refereeing. What is more, Blatter importantly lets footballers participate in FIFA?s decision-making process.

?It is crucial for world football, that Blatter continues, because what he is doing is fantastic,? Pelé concluded. "

Source : (FIFA)