Blatter gets annoyed by criticism of FIFA reforms.

JOHANNESBURG, Feb 10 (Reuters) FIFA President Joseph Blatter responded on Sunday to what he considers an attempt by UEFA to block his reform plan to transform the management of world football into a more transparent process and less susceptible to corruption.

Blatter said he was surprised by the statements of UEFA president Michel Platini, a possible rival in the FIFA presidential elections in two years. The Frenchman opposed key proposals from FIFA's Independent Governance Committee.

In statements last month, UEFA rejected the proposal to limit FIFA executive committee members to two four-year terms and wants the organization's president to be able to hold office for a maximum of 12 years, instead of eight, as the IGC proposes.

In South Africa for the Africa Cup of Nations final, Blatter said that UEFA's job is to consult with its member nations and not to issue its own comments on the changes.

"The reform process is nearing its end," he stated during a meeting with the media. "Two measures have been implemented by Congress: the establishment of an independent ethics committee and the determination that Congress, and no longer the executive committee, will choose the host cities for the next World Cups."

"Now, there are another 10 or 11 points that need to be discussed at the next FIFA congress in Mauritius in May. So I'm surprised by UEFA's reaction, because the executive committee told the confederations that they should consult their member nations about what they think regarding the last part of the statute changes."

"And I'm surprised because it seems there was no consultation, it seems it was a decision made by UEFA with a statement from the member nations against it."

"The idea was that at the FIFA congress all nations could take a position for or against the changes. We asked the confederations to hold consultations, we didn't ask them to make decisions."

"If all the confederations make decisions, what is the point of the FIFA congress?"

Blatter was also angered by UEFA's opposition to the security investigations that FIFA wants to introduce into anyone elected to the executive committee, following a series of scandals involving high-ranking figures in the organization.

"What's important to me, and I will defend this, is that all FIFA members have been investigated, because anyone who works anywhere goes through this. All FIFA referees and assistants have to go through this and sign a document recognized by their country's association."

"So, if it's good enough for FIFA referees, why wouldn't it be good enough for FIFA executive committee members? Why is UEFA against it? I don't understand."