FIFA president Sepp Blatter has vowed to win back the trust of the footballing world in the wake of a 'shameful and humiliating' period for the organisation.
The 79-year-old acknowledges that the sport's reputation has been "dragged through the mud", but he stopped short of resigning from his post on the eve of the presidential election.
Football's world governing body was hit by a string of arrests on Wednesday regarding corruption claims, with UEFA chief Michel Platini the highest profile of those calling for the Swiss to step aside during an emergency meeting.
However, at today's 65th FIFA Congress, Blatter - speaking for the first time since the whole scandal broke - told those present: "You will agree with me that these are unprecedented and difficult times for FIFA. The events of yesterday have cast a long shadow over football and over this congress.
"Actions of individuals have proven to bring shame and humiliation on football and demand action and change from us all. We cannot allow the reputation of football and Fifa to be dragged through the mud any longer. It has to stop here.
"I know many people hold me responsible. I cannot monitor everyone all the time. If people want to do wrong, they will also try to hide it. The next few months will not be easy. I am sure more bad news will follow.
"Those who are corrupt in football are in a minority, like in society and must be held responsible for their actions. Football cannot be the exception to the rule. There can be no place for corruption of any kind.
"We must respond tomorrow, we have the opportunity to begin the long and difficult road to rebuilding trust. We have lost the trust and we must now earn it back. Solidarity and unity is asked for the game, for the world, for peace. Thank you."
Having refused to step aside, Blatter will now go up against sole challenger Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein in tomorrow's election.
Daniel Lewis
