Amid a bribery scandal that involved top executives of world soccer’s governing body, FIFA’s President Sepp Blatter is resigning.
Blatter made the announcement on Tuesday during a press conference and just days after he easily won an election to a fifth term.
“It is my deep care for FIFA and its interests, which I hold very dear, that has led me to take this decision,” Blatter said, according to FIFA’s translation of his remarks.
Blatter said that he will call for “an extraordinary congress” that will be held “as soon as possible” to elect a new president.
Blatter will stay on as president until his successor is elected.
Last month, U.S. authorities indicted a group of senior FIFA officials on corruption charges. Yesterday media reports said Blatter’s top lieutenant, secretary general Jérôme Valcke, had transferred $10 million to an account controlled by formerCONCACAF President Jack Warner. That payment was allegedly part of a bribe to help South Africa secure the right to host the 2010 World Cup.
Neither Valcke nor Blatter have been formally accused of wrongdoing, but the development brought the investigation very close to FIFA’s top leadership.
“I have been reflecting deeply about my presidency and about the forty years in which my life has been inextricably bound to FIFA and the great sport of football. I cherish FIFA more than anything and I want to do only what is best for FIFA and for football. I felt compelled to stand for re-election, as I believed that this was the best thing for the organization. That election is over but FIFA’s challenges are not. FIFA needs a profound overhaul.” Blatter said
“While I have a mandate from the membership of FIFA, I do not feel that I have a mandate from the entire world of football — the fans, the players, the clubs, the people who live, breathe and love football as much as we all do at FIFA.” Blatter stated.
“Therefore, I have decided to lay down my mandate at an extraordinary elective Congress. I will continue to exercise my functions as FIFA President until that election.
“The next ordinary FIFA Congress will take place on 13 May 2016 in Mexico City. This would create unnecessary delay and I will urge the Executive Committee to organize an Extraordinary Congress for the election of my successor at the earliest opportunity. This will need to be done in line with FIFA’s statutes and we must allow enough time for the best candidates to present themselves and to campaign.
