Sepp Blatter Wins Fifth Term: 'Let's Go FIFA'

Sepp Blatter has won a fifth term as President of FIFA, despite widespread calls for him to step down over the corruption scandal engulfing the organisation.

The ballot was due to go to a second round after the 79-year-old incumbent narrowly failed to get two-thirds of the votes in the first round.

But his re-election was confirmed when challenger Prince Ali bin al Hussein of Jordan conceded, having won just 73 votes to Mr Blatter's 133.

It means he retains the post at the head of football's international governing body he has held since 1998.

Speaking after the vote, Mr Blatter insisted he would begin work to improve FIFA's image tomorrow after the "tragic events" of the previous few days.

"This gives me now the time, because I was identified to be responsible for what's happened," he said.

"I take the responsibility and we have to build up now a better image of FIFA.

"I know how to do it. I cannot disclose it now, but we will do it as from tomorrow morning, have a meeting with the executive committee and they will listen to me.

"They will receive some information, or some messages, and some of them will be surprised."

Explaining why he had conceded, as he left the venue in Zurich, Prince Ali said: "There are 73 national associations out there who are really brave and I did it for them.

"I don't want them to be in any more trouble. That is why I did it."

In his acceptance speech, Mr Blatter had told delegates: "Thank you that you accepted me, for the next four years that I will be in command of this boat called FIFA and we will bring it back.

"We will bring it back offshore and bring it back to the beach, we will bring it back where finally football can be played (as) beach soccer.

"We can play everywhere.

"I was thinking, I was in meditation, I said, no, God, Allah or whoever is the extraordinary spirit in the world that we believe, help us to bring back this FIFA where we shall be.

"And I promise you, in the end of my care, I will give this FIFA to my successor in a very strong position. You will ask me what age but it is not age, it is not a problem, I have always told you.

"I am not perfect. Nobody is perfect. But we will do a good job together, I am sure.

"So I thank you so much. I thank you for the trust and confidence, trust and confidence together we go, let's go FIFA, let's go FIFA."

It comes after the US Department of Justice charged a total of 14 people over alleged bribes totalling more than $150m (£98m).

The charges have prompted a number of figures to call for Mr Blatter to quit, including Prime Minister David Cameron - who said "the sooner that happens the better".

Among those disappointed with the result was Football Association chairman Greg Dyke , who said: "The events of this week are so traumatic for FIFA that I cannot see FIFA reforming itself under Blatter. He's had 16 years to reform it, he hasn't done it."

Both candidates gave speeches to delegates before the vote, Prince Ali saying "FIFA is not just about one man" and adding that "it will take a committed leader to fix this mess we are in".

Mr Blatter said: "You know who you are dealing with. I also know that I can count on you. I am with you. I would just like to stay with you. It is a matter of trust."

The bribes alleged by US authorities paid for television rights, sponsorship deals and World Cup votes.

Mr Blatter has claimed it was "individuals" within FIFA who stood accused of corruption - not the whole of the organisation.

But the UK Serious Fraud Office has revealed it is actively assessing "material in its possession" relating to FIFA corruption allegations.

Barclays, HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank were allegedly used to transfer cash as part of the conspiracy, US prosecutors allege.

And Swiss authorities say t hey are looking into the controversial decisions to award the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the 2022 tournament to Qatar.