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ASUNCION, Paraguay — FIFA President Sepp Blatter said he will seek to reinstate fired Egypt soccer federation leaders, calling their dismissal last week "direct interference" by the Cairo government.

Blatter spoke Sunday in the Paraguay capital, where he attended a special congress of South American soccer officials aimed at toughening rules against government intervention in the sport in the region.

The president of Egypt's federation and his board of directors resigned Saturday, having already been dismissed by the country's prime minister, Kamal el-Ganzouri, because of a riot at a match that left more than 70 dead in Port Said.

The violence began when Al-Masry fans stormed the field after their team's 3-1 victory against Cairo-based Al-Ahly and began attacking their rivals. Hundreds of Al-Ahly fans were driven into a narrow stadium exit, where they were crushed against a locked gate.

Blatter said the firing of federation president Samir Zaher constituted "a direct interference in the organization of football."

"We will look to have the Egyptian federation reinstated and, naturally, see that this situation does not repeat itself," said Blatter, adding the situation in Egypt is "very delicate."

FIFA officials often speak about keeping governments from meddling in soccer. But the world governing body also has been criticized for ignoring its own rules.

In an example often cited, the Chinese Football Association is an organ of the State General Administration for Sport, a government body that runs sports in the authoritarian country.

Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko is a member of FIFA's executive committee — a government official sitting in a top FIFA policymaking position.

On a different topic discussed Sunday, Blatter said he is confident Brazil would overcome any delays in organizing the 2014 World Cup.

"I have no doubt that the construction will be finished on time," Blatter said. "Brazil is a football country and there are lots of arguments, but at FIFA we have no doubt it will be a great World Cup."

FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke, speaking in Rio de Janeiro last month, rebuked Brazil officials for being behind schedule in stadium and infrastructure construction. Late last year, Valcke told Brazilian lawmakers the building pace had to be stepped up.

"We are late, we can't lose a day," he said.

Man U rallies

to earn a draw

LONDON — Javier Hernandez completed Manchester United's comeback from a 3-0 deficit at Chelsea with a late header that salvaged a 3-3 draw and leaves the defending champions two points off the English Premier League lead.

Manchester City, which defeated Fulham 3-0 Saturday, is in first place.

After storming to a 3-0 lead by the 50th minute, Chelsea collapsed at home by conceding two penalties Wayne Rooney converted and then allowing Hernandez to tie the score in the 84th.

"It's two points lost," Rooney said. "We understand that, but after being 3-0 down — the (Manchester) City players at home must have liked that — we enjoyed the way we fought back."

Note

• Wednesday's semifinal matchups are set in the Africa Cup of Nations: Ghana will play Zambia and Mali will face tournament favorite Ivory Coast.

The final will be played Sunday in Libreville, Gabon.