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Blatter tempts fate with Solutions Committee

The creation of the less-than-imaginatively named committee was one of three measures announced by Blatter following his re-election on Wednesday but none offered much hope of real change in football's beleaguered world governing body.

Blatter's fourth and final mandate could also see the 75-year-old face internal divisions as he battles to push reform through a federation where many members still believe nothing needs fixing.

He will also have to deal with the powerful, wealthy European clubs who are becoming increasingly agitated at FIFA's perceived heavy-handedness.

But instead of being lauded for its social conscience, Blatter had to listen to a stinging reproach from the president of his own country who urged FIFA to "take seriously the many criticisms voiced about corruption and a lack of transparency.

"It is of the utmost importance because your organisation should be an example not only to young people but to the world," Micheline Calmy-Rey said in her address to the opening of the FIFA Congress.

"Let not money spoil your ideals."

Neither of these moves are likely to placate the many observers who believe an external investigation into FIFA's affairs is needed.

International corruption watchdog Transparency International, saying FIFA's Ethics Committee was "shrouded in secrecy", had suggested more far-reaching measures.

Blatter's only concession was that outsiders may be brought in "if necessary" with former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, 88, and former Dutch international player Johan Cruyff named as two possible advisors.