Sepp Blatter has given a third term as president of world soccer's governing body after standing as the only candidate at Thursday's FIFA Congress.

The Swiss succeeded Joao Havelange after beating former UEFA president Lennart Johansson in 1998 and was re-elected four years later when he defeated Issa Hayatou, president of the Confederation of African Football - CAF.

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.

And among them was the Ghana Football Association who endorsed the Swiss for a third term.

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."

The 71-year-old, the eighth president in FIFA's 103-year history, is expected to remain in charge until at least 2011.

Blatter joined FIFA as technical director in 1975 and was general secretary from 1981 until 1998.