Olympic Council of Asia head says he'll back Sepp Blatter

SYDNEY (AP) - The head of the Olympic Council of Asia, one of the continent's most powerful sports officials, says he will back Sepp Blatter for another term as FIFA president rather than his "brother" Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan.

Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah of Kuwait told Fairfax Media on Thursday that he felt Blatter had earned the right to extend his tenure to a fifth term.

The 39-year-old Prince Ali, a FIFA vice president, announced his plan to run for the top position and against Blatter this week.

"I am with Blatter and I say that openly," Sheikh Ahmad said. "I was actually surprised that Prince Ali even announced himself as a candidate. I respect Prince Ali as a brother but, as one man in Asia, I wish Blatter to have one more term when the general assembly is held in Kuala Lumpur (in May)."

While Sheik Ahmad does not personally have a vote, the OCA has a powerful influence over many Asian Football Confederation members who do take part in the FIFA ballot. He said Kuwait would vote for Blatter.

"This is a commitment from my football federation, from my country, and if I don't respect my commitment and continue with that, then nobody would respect us," he said. "That's why we're going with Blatter."

Sheikh Ahmad confirmed that his close Bahraini ally, Asian Football Confederation President Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, would also back Blatter.

"Salman already committed," the sheikh said. "All of us have committed to Blatter before Prince Ali showed his interest."

The Oceania Football Confederation has already said it will support Blatter.