FIFA shock: Blatter says he's quitting

FIFA president Sepp Blatter resigned Tuesday in a surprise announcement likely related to the US corruption investigation which is reportedly getting closer to involving him. He remains in charge until a successor is chosen, however.

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FIFA President Sepp Blatter speaks during a press conference at the headquarters of the world's football governing body in Zurich on June 2, 2015. Blatter resigned as president of FIFA as a mounting corruption scandal engulfed world football's governing body. The 79-year-old Swiss official, FIFA president for 17 years and only reelected days ago, said a special congress would be called to elect a successor. AFP PHOTO / VALERIANO DI DOMENICO

FIFA chief Blatter quits as corruption storm rages

Zurich, June 3, 2015, AFP –  FIFA president Sepp Blatter resigned Tuesday in a stunning capitulation to critics as a US criminal investigation reportedly drew closer to ensnaring the most powerful man in world sport.

The Swiss official, who has ruled football's governing body for 17 years, said he would remain in charge until a special congress can choose a new leader and vowed to pursue strong reforms in that time.

Blatter noted that he had just won re-election from FIFA members on Friday, but said: "I do not feel that I have a mandate from the entire world of football."

Some of Blatter's opponents rejoiced at his announcement while commercial sponsors urged FIFA to clean up its act and regain public trust.

"Why didn't he step down last week? Clearly there's a smoking gun of some sort," English FA chief Greg Dyke said.

"He's not been honourable in years. Now he's gone – let's celebrate."

UEFA chief Michel Platini, a former ally who last week told Blatter to his face that he should leave, said: "It was a difficult decision, a brave decision, and the right decision."

The New York Times, which broke last week's news of the corruption investigation, reported the 79-year-old was also the focus of an FBI probe, citing law enforcement officials and other sources.

The arrest of seven FIFA officials in a luxury Swiss hotel unleashed a global storm which Blatter tried to weather by defiantly ploughing on when he secured a fifth term with backing from Asia and Africa.

President Sepp Blatter leaves after a press conference at the headquarters of the world's football governing body in Zurich on June 2, 2015. AFP PHOTO / VALERIANO DI DOMENICO

But speaking impassively at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Blatter said it was clear not everyone was on his side in the footballing fraternity including "the fans, the players, the clubs, the people who live, breathe and love football as much as we all do at FIFA".

"I felt compelled to stand for re-election, as I believed that this was the best thing for the organisation," Blatter told a news conference.

"That election is over but FIFA's challenges are not. FIFA needs a profound overhaul."

He added that in his remaining months in office, he would "focus on driving far-reaching, fundamental reforms that transcend our previous efforts".

Blatter, stolid throughout the 10-minute appearance, then shook the hand of a member of his staff and walked back to his office without taking any questions.

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