Fifa re-elects Sepp Blatter as president

  Sepp Blatter has been re-elected president of Fifa, football’s world governing body, in a vote overshadowed by arrests and corruption allegations.

Mr Blatter’s rival, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan, had forced a second round of voting but withdrew.

In his victory speech, Mr Blatter said: “I am the president now, the president of everybody.”

Seven top officials were arrested in Switzerland on Wednesday as part of a US prosecution that indicted 14 people.

Mr Blatter, 79, has faced calls to resign, including from UK Prime Minister David Cameron, who said in Berlin on Thursday that the Fifa president should quit “the sooner the better”.

‘Crushed hopes’

But Mr Blatter hailed his victory, thanking all those who voted from him and praising the bravery of his rival, Prince Ali, for withdrawing.

In a rambling victory speech citing God and Allah, he said: “I am not perfect, nobody is perfect, but we will do a good JOB together I am sure.

“I take the responsibility to bring back Fifa where it should be... Let’s go Fifa! Let’s go Fifa!”

He also hinted that this term in office, his fifth, could be his last, saying: “At the end of my term I will give up Fifa in a strong position.”

In conceding, Prince Ali said: “It’s been a wonderful journey... And I want to thank in particular those of you who were brave enough to support me.”

Michel Platini, the president of the European football body, Uefa, which had backed Prince Ali, said: “I am proud that Uefa has defended and supported a movement for change at Fifa, change which in my opinion is crucial if this organisation is to regain its credibility.”

Global citizens’ movement Avaaz, which started the #BlatterOut campaign, quickly condemned the re-election.

BBC