Blatter´s gratitude for fourth term

Sepp Blatter has thanked the FIFA congress after he was voted in for a fourth term as president of the embattled organisation.

The 75-year-old ran unopposed in Wednesday’s election in Zurich, after sole challenger Mohamed Bin Hammam withdrew from the poll on Sunday amid corruption allegations.

It has been claimed that AFC president Bin Hammam and FIFA vice-president and CONCACAF president Jack Warner offered Caribbean Football Union officials cash incentives to vote for Bin Hammam in the election.

Qatari Bin Hammam’s withdrawal meant Blatter had no opponent and, when an 11th-hour move from the English FA to have the ballot postponed was outvoted 172-17, the win was a formality.

Blatter was voted for by 186 of the 208 member associations and the Swiss national thanked the congress after his success.

“I thank you for your trust and confidence from the bottom of my heart,” Blatter said.

“Our pyramid is intact, the base, the foundation is strong and together we have four years to continue on our path and do our job.”

“We will put FIFA’s ship back on the right course in clear, transparent waters. We need some time to do it, but we shall do it.”

“Today something marvellous happened and I’d simply like to tell you I’m deeply moved and honoured. It’s a challenge, a new one for me, and I accept it.”