Blatter stays as FIFA chief

ZURICH (AP) — In the end, nothing could stop Sepp Blatter.

Not a far-reaching corruption scandal. Not a tarnished international image. Not a young prince who gave him a strongerthan-expected challenge.

Despite the biggest crisis in FIFA’s 111year history, Blatter emerged victorious once again Friday, winning re-election as president of world soccer’s governing body for a fifth term and proving he is the sport’s ultimate survivor.

“I am now the president of everybody,” the 79-year-old Blatter crowed after defeating Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan to secure another four years in office as one of the most powerful men in sports.

Blatter was declared the victor after Prince Ali withdrew following the first round of secret balloting among FIFA’s 209 member federations. Blatter won the first ballot 133-73, seven votes short of the twothirds majority required for victory.