FIFA chief Sepp Blatter quits

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.

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".

- 'Profound overhaul' -

"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.

The seven people detained last Wednesday are among 14 football officials and sports marketing executives accused by US prosecutors of complicity in giving or receiving more than $150 million in bribes.

The dawn arrests, and a police raid on FIFA headquarters, were accompanied by the launch of a Swiss investigation into the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments to Russia and Qatar.

Qatar has strongly denied any wrongdoing in its bid for 2022 but one senior Qatari official, a FIFA vice president, was banned for life amid accusations that he gave bribes.

"If I was in Qatar I wouldn't be very confident," said Dyke, who was involved in England's unsuccessful bid to stage the 2018 edition.

Blatter had repeatedly pleaded his innocence and that of FIFA. But according to the New York Times and ABC News, the FBI probe is looking directly at his alleged involvement in corruption.

A special congress to choose his replacement cannot be held until between December 2015 and March 2016, according to Domenico Scala, chairman of FIFA's independent audit and compliance committee.

Romario, the Brazilian football great turned politician, called Blatter's announcement the "best news for ages!"

"Joseph Blatter stepping down as FIFA president represents the beginning of a new era for world football," he said.

Australia's football federation, which lost out to Qatar for 2022, called for the culture of the entire organisation to change.

Acting CONCACAF president Alfredo Hawit -- who last week replaced former chief Jeffrey Webb, one of those charged in the United States and arrested in Switzerland -- said his organisation was ready to help rebuild FIFA.

That was echoed by the AFC in Asia, whose numerous members comprise the third-biggest voting bloc for the FIFA leadership, behind Africa and Europe.

Russia's Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko, a member of the FIFA executive and both a key figure in the 2018 World Cup and supporter of Blatter's, said the resignation came as a "complete shock" but was intended to preserve FIFA's unity.

- Potential replacements -

Prince Ali bin al Hussein, who challenged Blatter in last Friday's vote, signalled that he would be a candidate in a new election.

The Jordanian prince withdrew from the race after the first round of voting.

Other potential replacements mooted include Platini and Portuguese football great Luis Figo.

Among key sponsors, Coca-Cola called the move "a positive step for the good of sport, football and its fans".

Credit card giant Visa, which warned last week it might withdraw its sponsorship, said Blatter's resignation was "a significant first step towards rebuilding public trust" but added: "More work lies ahead."

Blatter took over an international federation facing financial difficulties and turned it into a money-spinning operation that, between the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, made $5.7 billion (5.3 billion euros). FIFA now has a cash mountain of $1.5 billion.

But scandal has never been far from his office. There were allegations over the vote that elected him in 1998, and over the collapse of the ISL sports marketing giant in 2001.
Source: AFP