Sepp Blatter rocked the world of soccer by unexpectedly quitting as FIFA president in the face of a corruption investigation that has plunged the game’s governing body into the worst crisis in its history.
Blatter, 79, announced the decision at a hastily arranged news conference in Zurich, six days after police raided a hotel in the city and arrested several FIFA officials, and just four days after he was re-elected to a fifth term as president.
Blatter said an election to choose a new president would be held as soon as possible, though a FIFA official said it would probably not take place until December at the earliest.
«FIFA needs profound restructuring,» said Blatter, a Swiss national who has been a dominant presence at FIFA for decades.
«I decided to stand again to be elected because I was convinced it was the best option for football.
«Although the members of FIFA gave me a new mandate, this mandate does not seem to be supported by everyone in the world.»
His decision was welcomed by his most prominent critics.
European football federation chief Michel Platini, a French former international player and favourite to succeed Blatter as FIFA president, said: «It was a difficult decision, a brave decision, and the right decision.»
The second favourite, Jordan’s Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, who stood against Blatter but withdrew after gaining 73 votes to Blatter’s 133 in the first round of last Friday’s vote, stopped short of confirming he would run again.
Asked if there should be a fresh start at FIFA, he told Britain’s Channel 4 News: «I’m willing to help.»
Greg Dyke, chairman of the English Football Association and one of Blatter’s most outspoken critics, said it was «good news for world football» but then questioned Blatter’s motive. «Who got him? Who shot him?» he asked.
«I don’t believe he went for any sort of moral basis so something has happened between then and now which means he has to resign.»
FIFA, which Blatter had led since 1998, was left reeling last week by the announcement of a U.S. investigation into alleged widespread financial wrongdoing stretching back for more than two decades.
Swiss authorities also mounted their own criminal probe into the award of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar, respectively.
Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said Blatter’s decision to step down was «courageous» and would help prevent a split in FIFA.
While Blatter was not mentioned in either the U.S. or Swiss investigations, there had been widespread calls for him to quit, mostly from Western nations. Some major sponsors also expressed misgivings about the impact of the scandal.
Two sponsors, Coca-Cola Co, and Adidas welcomed Blatter’s resignation.
«Today’s news marks a step in the right direction on FIFA’s path to establish and follow transparent compliance standards in everything they do,» Adidas said.
The US Justice Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Attorney’s office had no immediate comment.
The office of the Swiss Attorney General, which is investigating alleged criminal mismanagement and money laundering at FIFA, said Blatter’s resignation would have no effect on its proceedings. It said Blatter himself was not subject to investigation.
Source: Buenos Aires Herald