Zurich: Sepp Blatter’s return as Fifa president has left former football players wondering how the man who has presided over the governing body as it lurched from one corruption crisis to another over 17 years could hold onto power for a fifth term.

Former Brazil striker Romario said football “will continue to be assaulted” following Blatter’s re-election as Fifa president in Zurich.

Romario, now a federal senator, expressed his dismay after the 79-year-old Swiss won a fifth straight term in-charge of world football’s governing body on Friday, reports Xinhua.

“Shamefully, Sepp Blatter was re-elected Fifa president. I’m not going to say that I’m surprised but that doesn’t mean that I’m not indignant. At the end of this term he will complete 20 years in power. Poor football will continue to be assaulted,” Romario said.

Reactions included: Luis Figo, 42, formerly of Real Madrid and Barcelona and 2001 FIFA World Player of the Year, who withdrew from the presidential election on May 21: “Today was another black day in Zurich.

‘‘You cannot lead Fifa making a mockery of the most basic rules of transparency, the rule of law and democracy.

‘‘The fact that the man responsible for Fifa reaching this point has been re-elected shows the organisation is sick.’’

Gary Lineker, 54, who scored an English record 10 World Cup goals:

‘‘All those Fifa members that voted for Blatter have betrayed the game they are supposed to cherish.

‘‘The only way this revolting organisation will change is if the major football federations walk out.’’

Louis Saha, 36, former Manchester United striker and member of France’s national team:

‘‘The amount of global media attention this story has generated is pretty much unprecedented; to the point where it’s taken away the attention from the actual sport.

‘‘Who the president of Fifa is shouldn’t matter — the focus needs to be on the sport and nothing else. What we’re currently faced with is a top tier that’s got too much power to the point where it’s damaging the industry at large.’’

Kyle Martino, 34, former US international and NBC commentator for Major League Soccer.

“As boss #Sepp, the only thing worse than knowledge of widespread company immorality is no knowledge of it.”

Sunil Gulati, US Soccer Federation president who voted for Prince Ali after nominating him in January.

“Our goal is for governance of Fifa that is responsible, accountable, transparent and focused solely on the best interests of the game.

“This is what Fifa needs and deserves, and what the people who love our game around the world demand. We congratulate President Blatter and it is our hope he will make reform his number one priority to ensure the integrity of the sport across the world.”