Blatter to resign as FIFA President

Date: 2nd June 2015 at 7:06pm
Written by:

FIFA President Sepp Blatter is to resign from his role at the helm of the sport’s governing body.

FIFA have been the centre of much unwanted publicity in recent days as allegations of corruption came to a head following news breaking of several arrests being made by the FBI as part of an ongoing investigation.

In normal circumstances, a new president could not be elected until the next congress meeting, however, with the next scheduled meeting not due to take place until May 2016, it was revealed at Tuesday’s press conference that an “extraordinary congress” was to be called immediately to elect Blatter’s successor.

“I have thoroughly thought about my presidency and the 40 years FIFA has played in my life, I love FIFA more than anything else and I only want to do the best,” said Blatter.

“My mandate does not appear to be supported by everybody…this is why I will call an extraordinary meeting.

“I will organize [an] extraordinary congress for a replacement for me as president, I will not stand.

“I am now free from the constraints of an election.

“I will be in a position to focus on profound reforms. For many years we have called for reforms. But these are not sufficient.”

Blatter had claimed that he had been trying to reform the organisation’s rules but had been blocked in implementing the changes.

“We need a limitation on mandates and terms of office. I have fought for these changes but my efforts have been counteracted,” said the Swiss administrator.

“FIFA’s interest are dear to me, that’s why I have taken this decision.

“What counts most for me, is the institution of FIFA and football around the world.”

It remains to be seen whether or not the decision taken by Blatter will lead to further developments regarding the corruption scandal, as up until this point there have been no revelations which directly involve the 79-year-old.

 

Comments are closed.