Fifa's presidential election is to go ahead after the Football Association's bid to secure a postponement failed by 172 votes to 17.
Blatter set to be re-elected after FA fails in postponement bid
Fifa's presidential election is to go ahead on Wednesday after the Football Association's bid to secure a postponement failed by 172 votes to 17.
The FA had been keen to delay the re-election of Sepp Blatter in light of the recent allegations of corruption that have blighted world football's governing body.
Blatter was the only candidate for the presidency after his chief rival Mohamed Bin Hammam withdrew over the weekend after being suspended by Fifa.
FA chairman David Bernstein had called on the 208 Fifa member associations to stop Blatter being re-elected unopposed, but failed to secure the 75 per cent approval of the Congress which he required.
Unsatisfactory situation
In his speech Bernstein said: "It gives me no pleasure to make this speech. A lot of people have warned me I shouldn't be making this speech but Fifa is a democratic organisation.
"We are faced with an unsatisfactory situation. We are subject to universal criticism from governments, sponsors, media and the wider world.
"With this background the election has turned into one-horse race.
"In the view of the Football Association this should be avoided both for the sake of FIfa and the president itself. A coronation without an opponent provides a flawed mandate.
"I ask for a postponement to allow time for an additional candidate or candidates to stand and compete in an open and fair election.
"Only by so doing will the winner have proper credibility over the next four years."
Bernstein had minimal applause as he left the podium and the FA's call was then subject to criticism from a series of following speakers.
