Blatter re-elected as FIFA president

Vows to clean up the body’s tarnished image.

ZURICH:

Fifa President Sepp Blatter was re-elected as head of world football, vowing to restore the body’s stained image following a series of explosive corruption allegations.

Blatter, 75, was given a free run at another four-year term following the withdrawal of Asian football chief Mohamed bin Hammam, who was suspended amid claims he tried to bribe voters with cash-filled envelopes. Delegates at Fifa’s 61st congress returned Blatter by a landslide of 186 votes out of 203.

“We will put Fifa’s ship back on the right course in clear, transparent waters,” said Blatter. “We’ll need some time but we shall do it. Our pyramid is strong because the foundation is strong.”

Blatter, who took over Fifa in 1998, has faced widespread calls for reforms following allegations of corruption surrounding the bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 2^nd, 2011.