Blatter WINS FIFA presidential election after his loyal cronies ignore corruption scandal – so will UEFA nations boycott the World Cup as Michel Platini threatened?

Football in crisis: The corruption crisis engulfing FIFA failed to topple Sepp Blatter on Friday as he was elected president for a fifth term.

The Swiss will continue to lead world football's governing body into his eighties after winning by a majority of 133 to 73 in the first round of the vote at the FIFA Congress in Zurich.

Blatter was just seven short of a majority and his opponent, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein decided to withdraw before the second round. 

Despite 73 member associations throwing their support behind Blatter's sole opponent, there will be no change at the top of the embattled organisation. 

Victory: Sepp Blatter (pictured) celebrates after his re-election as president of FIFA in Zurich on Friday night

Handshake:  Blatter's (left) victory now raises the threat of European nations boycotting future World Cups - a proposal put forward by FIFA president Michel Platini (right) on Thursday

Disappointment: Following the win, the Chairman of the England Football Association Greg Dyke (right) said FIFA 'will not reform itself under Blatter'

Blatter beat Prince Ali bin al-Hussein by a margin of 133-73 in the first round of voting, forcing his withdrawal

Defeat: Prince Ali (right, with FIFA president Michel Platini) was eligible to take part in a second round of voting but still withdrew

FA chairman Greg Dyke steps forward to cast his vote in Friday's presidential election in Zurich

It means Blatter, 79, will remain at the helm as authorities in the United States lead an investigation into endemic racketeering, bribery and money laundering involving leading FIFA officials going back decades.

The result also significantly increases the prospect of European nations boycotting future World Cups, as mooted by president Michel Platini on Thursday. 

FA Chairman Greg Dyke told Sky News the England team will not withdraw from any tournaments on its own but added: 'I cannot see FIFA reforming itself under Blatter - he's had 16 years to do it.

In his acceptance speech, Blatter, who has been in charge since 1998 and will serve another four years said: 'First of all I would like to give compliments and express my gratitude to his Royal Highness Prince Ali. 

'He was a competitor, a challenger and he has obtained a very good result. He could have easily said 'let's go further - perhaps I will receive more votes'.