Sepp Blatter resigns as FIFA President

The 79-year-old Swiss official announced his resignation amid criticism and the shadow of a corruption scandal.

On June 2 (local time), FIFA President Sepp Blatter unexpectedly announced his resignation, despite having been re-elected just four days ago. Before going up to the podium to make the announcement, the 79-year-old official looked hesitant, a little sad because his 40 years of association with the World Football Federation were coming to an end. Blatter read the announcement for four minutes and then left in silence.

"Over the past few days, I have reflected on my 40 years with FIFA and the great sport of football. I value this organization more than anything and only want to do the best for it. I ran for president because I thought it was the right thing to do, the best thing for FIFA. However, I do not feel the trust of the entire football world - supporters, players, fans," Blatter said, giving the reason for his resignation.

Blatter's reputation has plummeted due to corruption scandal. Photo: Reuters.

An extraordinary FIFA council meeting is scheduled to take place between mid-December 2015 and March 2016 to elect a new FIFA president.

There are many names mentioned to replace the Swiss official including: Prince Ali Bin al-Hussein (who lost to Blatter in the most recent election); UEFA President Michel Platini; Luis Figo, Michael van Praag, David Ginola (who withdrew from the FIFA presidential race before the vote) or David Gill (former Man Utd CEO).

Before the new president is elected, Blatter wants to "focus on reforming the organizational structure", such as reducing the number of members of the FIFA Executive Board. Blatter will remain president until a successor is elected.

Why did Blatter resign now, just days after his re-election? Newspapers in the US, where the FBI is investigating FIFA, believe that Blatter felt pressured by being placed under a corruption investigation by the US Department of Justice. On June 1, Blatter's right-hand man, current FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke, was accused of paying $10 million to former FIFA Vice President Jack Warner in 2008 as a "fee" in exchange for votes for South Africa to host the 2010 World Cup.

After Blatter resigned, the football world expressed joy. FA Chairman Greg Dyke called June 2 a happy day for football lovers. Many people hope for a strong reform in the near future.

Platini (right) is one of the candidates to replace Blatter. Photo: AFP.

Blatter first became FIFA president in 1998, sitting firmly in the position for 17 years. Had he not unexpectedly announced his resignation, his journey at the world football federation would have lasted another four years. After nearly 20 years, Blatter has made his mark with football development programs and projects around the world, focusing especially on poor and underdeveloped countries in Asia and Africa.

However, Blatter also contributed to the corruption that has been going on for a long time. 14 senior FIFA officials are under investigation by the FBI and the US Department of Justice for embezzling $150 million over the past 24 years.

Amidst the scandal, the FIFA presidential election still took place on May 29. Blatter defied criticism and won an overwhelming victory over his opponent Ali Bin al-Hussein with a vote of 133-73. Blatter then announced that he would introduce measures to reform FIFA.

According to VNE