Blatter accepts IOC age limit change

FIFA boss Sepp Blatter has voted for a change to the IOC's age limit that he had previously called "discriminiatory."

FIFA boss Sepp Blatter says he voted for a new age limit rule that could force him to leave the International Olympic Committee in two years because he is "a team player."

Blatter, 78, had previously slammed the proposed change to make IOC members leave when they are 80 as "discriminatory."

There had been talk of a possible amendment being proposed at the Monaco IOC special session, but none materialised and the motion was unanimously passed.

Blatter told reporters he had not opposed the measure because the "huge majority" of the IOC was behind it and "because I am a team player."

Blatter is standing for a new term as FIFA president in an election next May.

He has been an IOC member since 1999 and is one of the most powerful and controversial figures in world sport.

But even if he wins next year, under the new rule he will have to leave the Olympic body at the end of 2016.

IOC members currently have to leave when they are 70. But Blatter avoided that rule because he joined the IOC before it was passed.

All 40 IOC reform proposals made by IOC president Thomas Bach were unanimously passed and the Olympic leader sought to avoid any controversy when asked at a press conference about Blatter's support for the age rule.

"I am very happy with the unanimous decision on all the 40 recommendations," said Bach with a smile.


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