Sepp Blatter was been re-elected to a fifth term as Fifa president after Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan withdrew from the race after the first round of the voting.
Though Prince Ali passed the mark votes needed to deny Blatter a two-thirds majority and victory in the first round his level of support was marginal. After few discussions with his team during the break, Blatter’s only rival opted out and which meant the 79-year incumbent will be in the office at the world body’s headquarters in Zurich for another four years.
It comes despite a week of crisis for the world governing body which saw seven Fifa officials arrested in Zurich and 18 people connected to football indicted on corruption charges by the US justice department.
There were weak claps and even some boos in Zurich’s Hallenstadion when Blatter was announced as winner. Blatter has led Fifa for 17 years.
The 209 Fifa member federations gave Blatter another nod as Prince Ali conceded defeat after losing 133-73 in the first round.
Blatter admitted “I am not perfect, no one is perfect” but promised to hand over Fifa in better shape to a successor four years from now.
“Together we go! Let’s go Fifa!” he exhorted.
Blatter has earlier defended his actions battling corruption and expressed doubts about the timing of the arrests.
“I am not saying it was a coincidence. But I do have a small question mark,” the Swiss official said.
Prince Ali, strongly backed by Europe’s football powers, has campaigned on the need for change at the top of the scandal-tainted body.
European body and Uefa leader Michel Platini said that change at the scandal-tainted world football body remains “crucial” despite Sepp Blatter’s win.
Platini had supported challenger Prince Ali bin al Hussein who withdrew after the first round of voting in the election.
“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,” Platini said after the vote.
“I congratulate my friend Prince Ali for his admirable campaign and I take the opportunity to thank all the national associations who supported him,” he added.
Most of Europe’s 53 votes went to Prince Ali, along with the United States and Australia. But Blatter’s rockbed support in Africa and Asia saw him through to a new term.
SOME REACTIONS
England FA chairman Greg Dyke:
To quote the 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.
Luis Figo, former Portugal captain and candidate who withdrew against Blatter:
Mr Blatter...being re-elected - that shows exactly how the organisation is sick. Today was another dark day in Zurich. Fifa has lost, but above everything, football has lost and everyone who truly cares about it has lost too.
Michel Platini, Uefa president:
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.
Prince Feisal Al Hussein, brother of Prince Ali
Prince Ali ran a strong campaign and the manner in which it was conducted has done Jordan proud.
Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad, president of Olympic Council of Asia
Prince Ali is a good man, I work with him, I was a main supporter in the past, he is like my brother. He has a good future but I think he was in a little bit of a hurry. I think he needed to take the trust of Asia first before he earned the trust of the international community
Follow us on Twitter at @NatSportUAE