At a surprise press conference called by FIFA today, Sepp Blatter has sensationally announced his resignation as President after seventeen years at the head of world football.
Good evening ladies and gentlemen,
I have thoroughly considered my presidency and about the last 40 years in my life. These years were closely related to FIFA.
I only want to do the best for football. The elections are closed but the challenges we are facing have not.
FIFA needs profound restructuring.
I will call an extraordinary congress ... to elect a new president.
I will not stand.. I am now free of the constraints of the election.
I will now be in a position to enact reforms to follow on our initial efforts.
For many years we have gone to great lengths and these need to continue as they have not yet been sufficient.
I was convinced standing again was best option for football.
Although the members have re-elected me, this mandate does not seem to be supported by everyone in the world of football.
The players, clubs supporters... those who inspire life in football.
The interests of FIFA are very dear to me and that is why I have taken this decision.
What counts most to me is FIFA. Thank you very much for you kind attention.
The decision comes four days after Blatter was re-elected as FIFA President. Today, the New York Times reported that Blatter's close lieutenant, the Frenchman Jerome Valcke, had authorised the transferring of $10 million dollars from a FIFA account to the account of Jack Warner.
This payment is a central part of the indictment which alleges that Jack Warner received a bribe to vote for South Africa as the host of the 2010 World Cup.
The indictment does not claim that Valcke knew that the money was being used for a bribe.
The allegations place Blatter closer to the money trail that was suspected before now.
Valcke denies that he authorised the payment and FIFA claim it was authorised by Argentine official and lifelong friend of Blatter, Julio Grondona.
Grondona is now deceased.
