Johansson to announce his UEFA future on Tuesday

Jul 7, 2006, 11:49 GMT

Berlin - Lennart Johansson will announce on Tuesday whether he will seek another term as European football supremo or step down and possibly open the door for 2006 World Cup organizer Franz Beckenbauer.

'I will make the announcement two days after the World Cup,' the Swede told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa.

The World Cup is wraps up Sunday in Berlin with the final between Italy and France. Two days later the UEFA executive board meets in the German capital.

Johansson, 76, has led the UEFA for 16 years and hinted that he would step down if Beckenbauer confirms his interest in European football's top job. Beckenbauer said he will only run for the job if Johansson resigns. Another candidate is Frenchman Michel Platini.

'I am ready if he decides (to seek the UEFA presidency). I would welcome him joining UEFA, but that decision is entirely up to him,' Johansson said of Beckenbauer.

'We have not discussed whether he will stay in Germany after World Cup, join UEFA or join FIFA.'

Beckenbauer won the World Cup as a player in 1974, as a coach in 1990 and is the chief organizer of the 2006 edition. Platini led France to the Euro 1984 title and was co-organizer of the 1998 World Cup.