Football world on brink of meltdown as Blatter retains FIFA presidency

In a move that could see European nations boycott the World Cup and diminish the proud 143 year tradition of international competition, the controversial 79-year-old secured a fifth consecutive term at the helm of FIFA, only to face immediate calls for his resignation.

His victory, which came just days after authorities in the US and Switzerland launched criminal probes into widespread corruption and bribery at the embattled organisation, prompted angry responses from influential figures in the sport who described it as a “dark day” for football.

Although the Swiss failed to secure the necessary two thirds majority in the first round of voting at FIFA’s congress - taking 133 votes to the 73 of his only challenger, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein - the Jordanian withdrew after it became clear the incumbent was on course to win an outright majority. .

On a day when not even bomb threats at FIFA’s headquarters could dislodge Blatter from office, he showed scant concern for his diminished mandate he took to the stage in Zurich, clasping his hands and raising them in triumph to deliver a rambling victory speech.

Addressing delegates from the 209 member federations, he said: “I will be in command of this boat called FIFA and we will bring it back to shore.”

Suggesting that this would be his final four year term in the top job, Blatter vowed to make changes at the scandal-hit body.

He said: “We have some organisational problems. We need women in this committee, we have to do more. I will not touch the World Cup, it is too important. I take responsibility to bring back FIFA, with you we will do it, I am convinced.

“I am a faithful man, now God, Allah or whoever we believe in, they will help us to bring back FIFA. I promise you at the end of my term I will give FIFA to my successor in a very strong position.”

Concluding his speech, he added: “I am not perfect but we will do a good job together. Let’s go FIFA, let’s go FIFA!”

In the immediate aftermath of his victory, prominent figures in the world of football who advocated change at FIFA bemoaned the outcome of the election.

Gary Lineker, the former England international and BBC presenter, who is one of Blatter’s most vocal critics, tweeted: “As predictable as it is depressing. All those FIFA members that voted for Blatter have betrayed the game they are supposed to cherish.

“The only way this revolting organisation will change is if the major football federations walk out. It’s time to grow a pair of footballs.”

Greg Dyke, the chairman of the English Football Association, said: “This is not over by any means. To quote the US Attorney General, ‘This is the beginning of the process not the end.’

“The idea Blatter could reform FIFA is suspect. I’d be very surprised if he was still in this job in two years time.”

Former Portugal international Luis Figo, who pulled out of the race to succeed Blatter as FIFA president last week, described it as a “dark day in Zurich.

“FIFA has lost, but above everything, football has lost and everyone who truly cares about it has lost too,” he added.

“Mr Blatter had a very cynical reaction when he said that he couldn’t control everyone. It offends everyone’s intelligence. These persons, whom Mr Blatter has promoted through years, turned, with him, FIFA into a decadent organization.

“If Mr Blatter were minimally concerned about football, he would have given up of the re-election. If he has a minimal of decency, he will resign in the next few days.”

Although Blatter’s win was widely expected thanks to the support he enjoys across swaths of Africa, Asia, Central America and the Caribbean, the repercussions will be far reaching.

UEFA, the association representing European football, is expected to convene in Berlin next week where its members will discuss its future relationship with FIFA.

Its president, former French international footballer Michel Platini, who remained in his seat and did not applaud during Blatter’s post-victory speech, has not ruled out the prospect of the continent’s teams boycotting the World Cup.

Speaking after the vote, Platini reiterated his desire for change within FIFA, while congratulating 39-year-old Prince Ali for his “admirable campaign.”

He 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.

“I congratulate my friend Prince Ali for his admirable campaign and I take the opportunity to thank all the national associations who supported him.”

Former Manchester United chief executive, David Gill, who was appointed to FIFA’s influential executive committee just hours before the presidential vote, is now expected to resign his post in light of Blatter’s reappointment.

As he enters his eighties, Blatter will also have to muster the energy and guile to contend with the investigations that threaten to wreak further damage to FIFA’s reputation.

He has faced mounting calls to step down over the past 72 hours, after several FIFA officials were among 18 people arrested as the US and Swiss authorities both launched police probes into allegations of kickbacks, bribes and “rampant corruption.”

Earlier, the Serious Fraud Office said it is actively assessing “material in its possession” relating to FIFA corruption allegations revealed by the FBI this week.

It comes after bank accounts at Barclays, HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank were allegedly used to transfer cash as part of the conspiracy.

The three British-based international banks were named on the indictment released by the US Department of Justice, which charged a total of 18 people over alleged bribes totalling more than £98m for television rights, sponsorship deals and World Cup votes.

A spokeswoman for the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) in London said: “The SFO continues actively to assess material in its possession and has made plain that it stands ready to assist ongoing international criminal investigations.”

Prime Minister David Cameron joined the growing chorus calling for the Swiss bureaucrat to resign, warning that “frankly what we have seen is the ugly side of the beautiful game and he should go.”

But speaking before the votes were cast yesterday Blatter outlined his determination to hang on to his job, telling delegates to vote for him and let him “shoulder” the responsibility of fixing the scandal that has engulfed the organisation.

He said: “We don’t need revolutions, but we always need evolutions. Yesterday and the day before and even today I am being held accountable for the current storm.

“So be it, I will shoulder that responsibility, I will take it. I’ll accept this responsibility and I want to fix FIFA together with you.”

Asked why he had withdrawn from the presidential race, Prince Ali said there were 73 national associations who had been “really brave” and he said: “I did it for them. I don’t want them to be in any more trouble.”

He said he hoped FIFA will realise that “football is for the world” and said he looks forward to a “bright future” for the organisation.