Sepp Blatter has won a fifth term as FIFA president with victory over Prince Ali bin Al Hussein in the long-awaited Zurich election.

The 79-year-old was returned to the presidency but he failed to secure election on the first ballot with Prince Ali withdrawing before a second ballot was undertaken.

Blatter polled 133 of the 209 votes in the first round, seven short of the two-thirds majority he needed, with his opponent securing 73 votes.

Prince Ali had asked delegates to “listen to your conscience” and warned the watching world would not accept another Blatter win on the back of a week of dawn raids, criminal investigations and staggering corruption allegations.

But the status quo prevailed, leaving UEFA president Michel Platini, Football Association chairman Greg Dyke and the rest of Blatter’s critics to ponder their next move.

Both Platini and Dyke have refused to rule out the option of boycotting future World Cups, while the outcome means David Gill will make good on his pre-vote promise not to take up his FIFA vice-presidency in the event of a Blatter win.

After conceding defeat, Prince Ali said: “I just wanted to thank all of you. It’s been a wonderful journey. I want to especially thank all of you who were brave enough to vote for me.”

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Sepp Blatter wins election to remain as FIFA president for fifth term – Sky Sports