DOHA, Qatar: FIFA gave President Sepp Blatter a one-year contract extension and, also unanimously, approved revised statutes, the rules that govern world soccer's governing body, at its Extraordinary Congress on Sunday.

Blatter's extended contract, which runs until 2007, was part of a move to switch FIFA's presidential elections to a year that does not coincide with the World Cup so the finals do not start under the shadow of an acrimonious period of electioneering.

The statutes were revised and updated for the first time since 1986, ushering in changes such as the freedom for young players of dual nationality to change national teams once, providing they have not played already for a full 'A' team.

This change will come into effect with the rest of the new statutes on January 1, 2004 but will be restricted to players under the age of 21 after a transitional year.

The Congress handled its main business in less than an hour as a full turnout of all 204 member associations, of which 197 had voting rights, gave their support to Blatter's blueprint.

It was a remarkable day for Blatter, 67, whose redesign of FIFA's administration since his re-election last year was widely praised at the Congress in the Sheraton Hotel complex.

"I have been coming to FIFA Congresses for 28 years and this is the first time we have had one full to capacity, with a full turnout," said Blatter, who was given a warm reception.

"We had only three amendments to the final draft of the statutes and they have been passed immediately. It is a milestone in the 100 years of FIFA," he added as the Congress was completed in one day instead of the two scheduled.

Bonus year

Asked about his extended term of office, Blatter said: "I've been given a bonus of one year, but it's not only a bonus but also a responsibility. I thank the congress for their trust and their confidence in me.

"I'm leaving as a happy president, but I came here as a happy president. I was happy, too, 16 months ago when I was leaving in Seoul (after being re-elected), but I was happier leaving there than I was when I arrived."

Blatter praised FIFA general-secretary Urs Linsi for prudent financial management since taking over in the wake of former general-secretary Michael Zen-Ruffinen's departure last year.

"We have introduced strong management and strong leadership to FIFA and that is what we need," said Blatter.

"I look forward with great confidence and pleasure in this job now. I like it. It is a good situation now for me."

The only small hiccup for Blatter came when, after the new statutes had been approved by acclamation expressed by applause, he was informed that, under Swiss law, a vote was necessary.

FIFA is administered from Zurich and is subject to Swiss law, he explained, adding: "Perhaps I should be shown a yellow card!" It was his only slip as the delegates produced 197 green cards to indicate their support for the statutes and his term.

Another surplus

The congress also approved the financial statements and budgets presented by the chairman of FIFA's finance committee Julio Grondona of Argentina and Linsi respectively.

Linsi explained that strictly-run and effective crisis management helped turn a forecast deficit of 134 million Swiss francs (US$100.3 million) into a 115 million (US$86.1 million) surplus for the period 1999-2002, as announced earlier this year in Zurich.

Linsi said the budget forecast for 2003-2006 predicted a surplus of 186 million francs (US$139.3 million) due to enhanced revenue schemes and the acceleration of rights payments, particularly from TV.

Agencies via Xinhua

(China Daily 10/21/2003 page8)