Sepp Blatter has the support of the African continent as he bids for another term as FIFA president.
Blatter met with 40 African football administrators in Johannesburg at the weekend to discuss the legacy of last year's World Cup.
Although Blatter was adamant that he was not in the continent to campaign against his challenger, Asian football chief Mohammed Bin Hammam, African football heads had no hesitation announcing their allegiance to him.
West African football secretary Mahomed Iya issued a statement, which said: "The national associations from various regions in Africa, namely the Cosafa, Cecafa, Unifac and Wafu, declare our support for the re-election of Mr Joseph Blatter to serve a further term in office."
The regions themselves have no vote but their pledge of support is expected to carry some weight. The continent's governing body, CAF, also issued a statement of support from Cairo last week, saying: "Following a secret ballot, the CAF executive committee voted in the majority to support the incumbent."
Africa are the fourth continent after South America, Oceania and South America to indicate that they will back Blatter.
Blatter is respected and trusted in African football circles largely because he kept his promise of bringing the World Cup to Africa.
"The benefits of the World Cup have filtered down to federations around the continent. We are seeing improved resources, which will help develop football talent," Cecafa president Leodegar Tenga said.
Blatter further wooed the African heads over the last two days with the promise of a female seat on the FIFA executive committee, if he is re-elected. He named Burundian football president Lydia Nsekera as the woman who would occupy the post first. The FIFA executive currently consists of 24 seats but Blatter said he will extend this to 25 should he remain in power.
The 75-year old has enjoyed long running backing from Africa. When he was voted into power in 1998, the majority of Africa voted for him despite the CAF executive campaigning for Swede Lennart Johansson. In 2002, CAF supported Blatter ahead of their own president Issa Hayatou.
Despite all the signs pointing in Blatter's favour, the member countries can still oppose CAF's recommendations, as they have done in the past. The vote takes place on June 1.
