FIFA President Blatter asks to be re-elected despite crisis
By ROB HARRIS, Associated Press
May 29, 2015 3:08 AM CDT
FIFA President Sepp Blatter speaks at the opening ceremony of the FIFA congress in Zuerich, Switzerland, Thursday, May 28, 2015. The FIFA congress with the president's election is scheduled for Friday, May 29, 2015 in Zurich. (Walter Bieri/Keystone via AP)   (Associated Press)

ZURICH (AP) — Sepp Blatter says he can solve his sport's problems if re-elected as FIFA president after the arrest of leading soccer officials this week "unleashed a storm."

FIFA's reputation has been bruised by the biggest scandal in its 111-year history, and Blatter's leadership is coming under severe scrutiny.

The 209 FIFA member nations will decide later Friday whether to stick with the 79-year-old Blatter or end his 17-year rule by backing Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan.

At the opening of the second day of the FIFA congress, Blatter says he is "appealing for unity and the team spirit so we can move forward."

Blatter adds it "may not be easy."

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