African soccer leaders urge backing for Blatter

The African Football Confederation is advising its members to back Sepp Blatter in the FIFA presidential election.

CAF says its ruling executive committee voted ''in majority'' in a secret ballot to endorse Blatter over Qatari challenger Mohamed bin Hammam.

However, bin Hammam is expected to have widespread support from the 53-nation region when FIFA's 208 members vote on June 1 in Zurich.

Bin Hammam made two campaign trips to Africa last month and earned goodwill when Qatar's 2022 World Cup bid sponsored the 2010 CAF general assembly.

Blatter already has unanimous endorsement from the executive committees of Europe, South America and Oceania.