Swiss Police Confirm Bomb Threat Received At FIFA Congress In Zurich - Local Media Reports

Participants listen to the opening speech of FIFA President Sepp Blatter at the 65th FIFA Congress in Zurich, Switzerland, May 29, 2015. (Reuters/Ruben Sprich)

Zurich police said the anonymous bomb threat was made by telephone to a Zurich-based newsroom, and that the congress room was searched.

Police spokeswoman Brigitte Vogt earlier confirmed to AFP that a bomb alert had been received at the venue, and that officers were at the scene.

No one was evacuated, but congress participants were initially denied re-entry into the auditorium while authorities conducted a search, a witness told Reuters.

"A search was carried out. The premises have been cleared by the authorities," FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke told the congress after it resumed. Journalists were also allowed back in the building.

Authorities were alerted around 11 a.m. local time, police spokesman Marco Cortesi confirmed. FIFA also acknowledged receipt of the threat to news website handelszeitung.ch.

Local journalists reported that they were forced to leave their places at the venue.

The FIFA presidential election is set to take place on Friday, with many calling for current president Sepp Blatter to step down following the corruption investigation into several of the organization's officials. However, Blatter is expected to be re-elected for a fifth five-year term.

Protests have been taking place outside the meeting venue on Friday, with pro-Palestinian demonstrators calling for Israel's suspension from FIFA.

The vote on Israel's status was set to be held on Friday at the request of Palestinians, who complain about restrictions on training and competition.

All Clear After Bomb Sweep At FIFA

Australia Associated Press reports Soccer's FIFA congress resumed in Zurich as planned after a lunch break marred by a bomb threat.

Swiss police earlier on Friday revealed a threat had been made against the ruling body's congress.

Authorities were alerted about 11am local time, police spokesman Marco Cortesi confirmed.

The hall and the media tribune were fully evacuated when the lunch break started at noon , an unusual procedure as normally the media are allowed to stay. Staff said the measure was taken to clean the place.

"All is cleared up," FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said as the congress resumed as planned 90 minutes later.

"There was an anonymous threat. We decided to evacuate the rooms."

The FIFA presidential election was set to take place later on Friday, with current president Sepp Blatter expected to retain his role despite widespread allegations of corruption.

Protests have been taking place outside the meeting venue, with pro-Palestinian demonstrators calling for Israel's suspension from FIFA.