Bruised Blatter set for re-election as world soccer chief

The FA accused Fifa, football’s world governing body, of a “lack of transparency and accountability” but last night all the indications pointed to Blatter riding out the corruption crisis threatening his leadership, at least in the short term.

FA chairman David Bernstein said: “We call on Fifa and ask other national associations to support us with two initiatives.

“First, to postpone the election and give credibility to this process so any alternative reforming candidate could have the opportunity to stand for president.

“Secondly, to appoint a genuinely independent external party to make recommendations regarding improved governance and compliance procedures and structures throughout the Fifa decision making processes for consideration by the full membership.”

The calls came as major sponsors Emirates and Visa joined Coca Cola and Adidas in expressing their concerns about the turmoil engulfing the soccer body.

Asian football chief Mohamed bin Hammam pulled out of the presidential race against Blatter at the weekend, hours before he was provisionally banned from all football-related activities on bribery charges.

Fifa executive committee member Jack Warner has also been suspended from all football-related activity as the corruption controversy erupted.

The developments came in the wake of controversy surrounding the legitimacy of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding process.

On Monday, Blatter admitted that Fifa faced “difficulties” but insisted: “Crisis? What is a crisis? Football is not in a crisis.”

Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Ivan Lewis said yesterday: “Mr Blatter’s position is not tenable.”