Fifa boss Sepp Blatter says women's football lags behind the men's game in both profile and sponsorship and wants governing bodies around the world to employ more females in positions of influence. "Women's football is still limping behind a little bit. To get new partners for women's football is difficult because the focus is on men's football," said the 79 year old.

Blatter believes change is possible by increasing the quota of women who must be elected to Fifa's powerful executive committee.

He also confirmed he will attend this summer's Women's World Cup in Canada "whatever the result" of the presidential election.

Blatter said it was a big opportunity to showcase the women's game and said it was "up to the ladies" to put on a great event.

"There will be over 20 cameras in each stadium, there will be goal-line technology in the stadium and there will be a lot of the public there," he said.