Blatter’s CECAFA cash tricks exposed

EAST Africa has been implicated in a cash-for-votes scandal that allegedly helped Sepp Blatter to the FIFA presidency, writes James Bakama.Blatter, who replaced Joao Havalenge, is said to have promised the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) $50,000 (sh87.25m) in return for votes in 1998.East Africa, however, paid dearly for backing Blatter. Africa’s soccer governing body CAF had promised Lennart Johannson a block vote.CAF got back at CECAFA by briefly suspending the regional body. The punishment was later lifted but upheld for then CECAFA secretary general Sammy Obingo.CAF vice president Farah Addo took up the CECAFA presidency in 2000. The move is largely believed to have been aimed at avoiding a repeat of the 1998 clash. Power wrangles are again heightening in the build-up to the FIFA elections on May 29. CAF president Issa Hayatou has already declared his intention to stand against Blatter for the World’s most powerful football position.FUFA sources revealed yesterday that both camps are already wooing them.In June last year, Addo accompanied Hayatou on a visit to Kampala which, though not explained, was seen as a campaign trip for both CAF executives. Hayatou wants the Somali, also chairman of CAF referees sub-committee, to take over the African body when (or if) he moves over to Zurich after the May polls.ends