FIFA president Sepp Blatter announced his resignation on Tuesday amid the corruption scandal that has rocked FIFA’s world governing body.
Speaking at a news conference in Zurich, Blatter said a special election would be held shortly to appoint his successor.
Blatter was just re-elected to a fifth term as president at the FIFA Congress on Friday, two days after a corruption crisis erupted and seven officials were arrested in Zurich.
“FIFA needs profound restructuring,” Blatter said. “Although members have given me the new mandate, this mandate does not seem to be supported by everyone.
“We will hold an extraordinary conference as soon as possible. A new president will be elected.”
Domenico Scala, the chairman of FIFA’s Audit and Compliance Committee, said an election would be held sometime between December 2015 and March 2016.
Sepp Blatter: “Fifa’s interest are dear to me. That’s why I have taken this decision. What counts most for me, is the institution of Fifa and football around the world.” Well, well, well. Will there be a sequel to that Fifa film.
“We need a limitation on mandates and terms of office. I have fought for these changes but my efforts have been counteracted.”
He continues: “I will organise extraordinary congress for a replacement for me as president. I will not stand. I am now free from the constraints of an election. I will be in a position to focus on profound reforms. For many years we have called for reforms. But these are not sufficient.” Yes, Sepp Blatter really is going to resign as Fifa president. It’s true.
“My mandate does not appear to be supported by everybody”. Is he going to resign? “This is why I will call an extraordinary meeting.”
“I have thoroughly thought about my presidency and the 40 years Fifa has played in my life. I love Fifa more than anything else and I only want to do the best. I decided to stand again for election for the good of football.”
