ADVERTISEMENT

Sepp Blatter set to retain seat

Check out like updates coming in from the FIFA Congress in Switzerland where the presidency election is holding

FIFA President Sepp Blatter makes a speech during the opening ceremony of the 65th FIFA Congress in Zurich, Switzerland, May 28, 2015

Blatter faces Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein in the election, but has been hit by widespread calls to step down after nine FIFA officials were among 14 people indicted on charges of racketeering, conspiracy and corruption on Wednesday.

Live updates below

Blatter leading

Prince Ali - 73 votes.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sepp Blatter - 133 votes.

Counting Commences

Counting has commenced after all 209 of FIFA's member nations have cast their votes.

Prince Ali bin al-Hussein speech at the FIFA congress

There is no Royalty in football. My name is Ali. I am one of you.

ADVERTISEMENT

President Blatter, Distinguished FIFA Vice-Presidents and Confederation Presidents, Distinguished Member Association Presidents,

Honourable Guests, Dear Friends, It is an incredible honour to stand before you today as a FIFA Presidential Candidate.

The eyes of the world are upon us, and not for the first time. But this time, everything is at stake.

Protesters at FIFA Congress

A protester briefly interrupted the start of the FIFA Congress on the day of the global governing body's much-anticipated presidential election.

ADVERTISEMENT

The main business of the Congress got under way at the Hallenstadion in Zurich on Friday, but was brought to a halt for a short time as a female protester brandishing a Palestinian made her way into the building.

Under-fire president Sepp Blatter called for security, who quickly removed the protester - apparently working alone inside the hall - before asking for the access points to be checked.

Bomb treat at the FIFA Congress

An anonymous threat forced police to step in and search the premises during the FIFA Congress.

The Congress is being held at the Hallenstadion in Zurich, Switzerland, and will be the scene for the presidential election between incumbent Sepp Blatter and challenger Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein.

ADVERTISEMENT

However, rumours of a bomb threat were sparked while delegates were on a lunch break.

Police were required to assess the venue following the receipt of the threat, although clearance was subsequently given for the Congress to continue.

Addressing the situation, FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said: "An anonymous threat against the FIFA congress was received. FIFA and the local authorities immediately evaluated the situation.

"In consultation with FIFA, the local authority decided to search the premises during the lunch break.

"The premises have been cleared now by the authorities. The Congress can start again.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Thank you for being patient, thank you for all being here, and we can move on now with the Congress."

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh

ADVERTISEMENT