Sepp Blatter to resign as FIFA president
Sepp Blatter tonight stood down as president of FIFA after 17 years in charge - just days after he was elected for a fifth consecutive term.
FIFA abruptly called a press conference at their headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, today where Blatter announced his resignation.
An extraordinary congress has been scheduled "as soon as possible" to elect his successor, in the wake of an ongoing criminal scandal.
Two investigations into corruption, launched by US and Swiss authorities, led to the indictments of seven top officials among 14 people.
Blatter said today: "I will organise an extraordinary congress and 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.
"We need a limitation on mandates and terms of office. I have fought for these changes, but my efforts have been counteracted.
"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."
Blatter, 79, then left the stage with Domenico Scala, the independent chairman of the organisation's Audit and Compliance Committee, taking over.
Scala added: "FIFA is determined to address the issues that are afflicting us. We wany to fundamentally reform the way in which people see us.
"I am dedicated to putting into place the conditions for the election of a new president. There will be reforms to how the elections are conducted. "
