NASSAU, Bahamas — Though there is little doubt as to the most likely outcome on May 29, the incumbent Joseph ‘Sepp’ Blatter nonetheless seized the opportunity to recognise the source of his political strength and confidence as he seeks re-election for a fifth unbroken term as FIFA president.

The 79-year-old Swiss, despite his stewardship of an organisation muddied by scandals around accusations of corruption, seems to enjoy broad support across the global football landscape.

It is believed, and has been reiterated at the recently concluded CONCACAF Ordinary Congress by the membership that Blatter, notwithstanding, has steered the organisation into a financial behemoth, sitting on cash reserves of almost US$1.5 billion.

His development initiatives, particularly the work of the Goal Bureau, have obviously resonated with voters, especially those across the so-called Third World, of which the Caribbean region is so considered. They (poorer football nations) feel, and have said so a sense of indebtedness to the Blatter-led FIFA, which has shaped the growth of their programmes.

And the ageing but lucid leader of the world’s game is confident that after the Zurich Congress next month, he will unanimously be given a fifth mandate to continue his work in “developing the game” and restoring FIFA’s battered image.

“After 40 years in FIFA, I am very confident (of victory) in the elections on May 29, because of the support I have in CONCACAF, Africa and South America and even support I have in Asia, and that’s all good for me,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Blatter, with unwavering support from CONCACAF then, was first elevated to the FIFA presidency in 1998, and 17 years on, face four challengers who want to unseat the diminutive Swiss lawyer.

Still, the field of aspiring candidates possess pedigree of varying degrees in the game.

The Dutchman Michael van Praag, the boss of Netherlands football, has been the most vocal opponent of Blatter. Also in the race are two former players, David Ginola (France) and Luiz Figo (Portugal) and Jordanian FA president and FIFA vice-president Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein. The first contender who formally launched his bid to take over FIFA, the Frenchman Jerome Champagne, has since withdrawn from the race.

Blatter, who first served as FIFA general secretary before coming to the fore as a political candidate, said his decision to continue for at least one more term was entrenched in an outpouring of support he received at the FIFA congress in Brazil last year.

“My chances were evaluated at the FIFA Congress in Sao Paulo last year, just before the start of the World Cup and there was an overwhelming demand by the congress and that’s why I said I will stay again.

“The only other candidate who would have had a legitimate case to come in (and challenge me) is the president of UEFA (Michel Platini) and he didn’t want to come, and then I said, ‘hey, let’s go’ and I answered what I have been asked to do (run again),” said Blatter.

At the 30th sitting of the ordinary congress of CONCACAF in The Bahamas on Thursday, individual members, led by tiny Caribbean island nations but each with a precious vote, reaffirmed their support for Blatter in the most glowing of terms.

“I think the CONCACAF membership voiced their views today (Thursday), clearly and passionately for Mr Blatter, who has delivered in so many ways in the region as a champion for development and a champion for the Third World,” said CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb, who was returned unopposed at the voting congress.