Blatter sets strategy for FIFA presidential vote

ZURICH (AP) — FIFA President Sepp Blatter says he will attend each congress of soccer’s six continental confederations before he stands for re-election in June.

In his year-ending message, Blatter says meeting FIFA’s national members in person will help set “a strategic course for the future.”

Blatter is seeking a fourth four-year term and says leadership is a key focus for FIFA in 2011.

The first scheduled congress is Jan. 6, when the Asian Football Confederation meets in Doha, Qatar.

The Oceania body then meets Jan. 15 in Pago Pago, American Samoa.

Blatter is scheduled to stand for re-election June 1 at FIFA’s congress in Zurich.

Challengers must be nominated by one of FIFA’s 208 members at least two months before the vote.