Blatter bids for re-election as head of scandal-plagued FIFA

(ANSA) - Zurich, May 29 - FIFA's Sepp Blatter made a final bid for re-election Friday as president of soccer's governing body despite a crippling corruption probe that has divided the football community. Just before Friday's vote, Blatter said: "In recent days we have experienced a cataclysm...I launch an appeal for unity...now is time for discipline and fair play". FIFA is no longer a club, it is a firm," he went on. "You, the national federations, are the shareholders and owners of this firm. Let's fix the damage together and let's start now," he said to loud applause.