"I congratulate Korea for tying England 1:1 in the warm-up games. I'm glad all preparations for hosting the World Cup are going well," said FIFA President Joseph Sep Blatter after arriving at Incheon International Airport on May 23 at 5:00am, riding Korean Airlines Flight 608 from Hong Kong. President Blatter, who is currently involved in a lawsuit on charges of misappropriation of FIFA funds aimed a shot at his opposition saying, "FIFA's financial problems are an internal problem that all must solve together." Blatter is running for re-election to the four-year presidency at the FIFA General Assembly, which takes place on May 28 and the 29th. When asked of his election prospects, he responded, "Elections are like a soccer game- no one can predict the results."

Chung Mong-jun, joint chairman of the Korea World Cup Organizing Committee came to greet Blatter, but noted "FIFA is at a crisis and member countries must make a final decision to recover its dignity. The following is a part of an exclusive Chosun Ilbo interview with President Blatter:

-What are your impressions on entering the country?

"The Korea Japan World Cup is the first time the games will be hosted in Asia and the first time it is hosted by two countries. I am proud to be the FIFA president at a time of such historical meaning. All preparations are going well and all we have to do is wait for the opening game of last time winner France and Senegal."

-What are your plans?

"We will discuss FIFA's financial problems at the temporary assembly on the 28th and select the president on the 29th. We will search for solutions to FIFA's financial situation at the general assembly, which will be participated by member countries."

-What is your outlook on the presidential elections?

"Many member countries support me and I have experience and know-hows from working for FIFA for the last 20 years. I am also preparing projects for world soccer development such as hosting the World Cup in Africa in 2010."

-There are disputes on misappropriation of FIFA funds.

"The World Cup is at hand. We should be talking about soccer, not problems."

-Didn't you visit North Korea earlier this month?

"It was a normal visit because as FIFA president, I felt it my duty to get North Korea to participate in the world's festival."

-There is criticism that the World Cup takes too much money.

"You need a lot of funds to operate good players, judges, and games."

(Kim Dong-suk, ds-kim@chosun.com )