FIFA president Sepp Blatter has unexpectedly stepped down just days after winning his fifth term in office.
ADVERTISEMENTJust days after winning a fifth term as FIFA president, Sepp Blatter has shocked the world of football by announcing he will step down.
At a hastily organised press conference in Zurich, he said a fresh election would take place as soon as possible. However, a FIFA official reportedly said it would not take place until at least December.
Sepp Blatter, FIFA President:
“Although the members of FIFA have given me the new mandate and re-elected me as president, it does not seem to be supported by everybody in the world of football…the supporters, clubs, players, those who inspire life in football, as much as we do at FIFA. This is why I will call an extraordinary congress and dispose of my function.”
Blatter’s decision to step down comes as FIFA spirals into the darkest period in its history. Just last week, a US investigation was launched into alleged financial wrongdoing stretching back two decades.
Speaking last week, the now former FIFA boss said that “if somebody is carrying out an investigation, they have the right to do so but it must be done correctly and adhering to international law.” He added that he was not “concerned”.
Blatter’s unexpected announcement comes in the wake of a corruption investigation that he could be included in. Media reports in the United States have reported that the FBI and US prosecutors are investigating the now former FIFA boss.