Fifa election: Desperate Sepp Blatter calls for unity as he waits to learn his fate

London Evening Standard



Sepp Blatter was fighting for his future as the head of world football today, as he admitted the dramatic events of the last 48 hours had “unleashed a storm” against Fifa.



Blatter made a call for unity as he addressed Fifa Congress here at the start of a day which he hoped would end with him being voted in for a fifth term as president of the governing body.



Although Blatter was favourite to defeat Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, the arrest of seven top Fifa officials as part of a corruption probe has dented his standing. Even if Blatter wins the election, he has a huge job to regain the support of the 209 confederations.



In his opening remarks to Fifa delegates, Blatter said: “The events of this week unleashed a storm. It was even questioned whether this Congress would go ahead but I am appealing for unity and team spirit to tackle the problems.