Asian Football Confederation chief Mohamed Bin Hammam has ruled out a bid for the FIFA presidency next year, opening the door for Sepp Blatter to run the world game for another four years.
The 61-year-old Qatari is seen as a successor to the 74-year-old Swiss and one of the few people with the potential to unseat him, but he appears ready to bide his time.
His decision not to run follows a similar move by Michel Platini earlier this year. The Frenchman was also considered a key candidate but he will seek a second term as UEFA president instead.
