Blatter was first elected as Fifa president in 1998

No other candidate was put forward to challenge the 71-year-old, who was elected to office in June 1998 and is now expected to serve through to 2011.

The Swiss succeeded Joao Havelange and won a bitter election against former Uefa president Lennart Johansson.

And in 2002 Blatter saw off the challenge of Issa Hayatou, president of the African confederation Caf.

"I am delighted to accept the 57th Fifa Congress's mandate to serve as president during the 2007-2011 period," he said.

"I am very happy, and together we will oversee four years of continued strength for football."

Blatter's second term lasted for five years rather than the usual four when Fifa decided not to end the president's term of office in the same year as the World Cup finals in Germany.

Fifa had already confirmed that 66 member associations out of 207 from all six confederations nominated Blatter.

At the time Blatter said: "I wish to thank all of the associations who have demonstrated their trust in me this way."

And he promised: "During my third period of office, football will acquire a more pronounced and extensive social role.

"Over the past nine years I have managed to overcome a range of difficulties and bring about several improvements, thanks to the help and support of members of the global football family."