• FIFA Congress

Blatter on brink of FIFA election victory

ESPN staff
June 1, 2011
Sepp Blatter addresses the 61st FIFA Congress © Getty Images
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Sepp Blatter seems certain to be re-elected unopposed in the FIFA presidential elections after an overwhelming majority voted in favour of the election taking place as planned.

Allegations of corruption have hogged the headlines in the lead up to the 61st FIFA Congress and the FA among others had called for the elections to be postponed.

Blatter was set to be challenged in the election by Mohamed Bin Hammam, but he has been suspended from all football-related activity pending the outcome of a full inquiry into accusations he offered financial incentives to members of the Caribbean Football Union.

The British media have had their say on the situation, with The Sun placing a picture of Blatter alongside an image of Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi above the headline 'Despot The Difference'.

Despite the negative publicity and controversy, it appears Blatter is set to be re-elected unopposed after 172 member nations voted in favour - with 17 calling for a postponement.

"We are all together in unity and solidarity," Blatter said when opening the Congress. "We know the FIFA ship is in moving waters, some would say troubled waters, but I think this ship must be brought back on the right route and I am the captain of the ship and it is my duty and responsibility that I get us back on the right route."

More to follow

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