Sepp Blatter says he will resign as president of football's governing body Fifa amid a corruption scandal.

In announcing his exit, the 79-year-old Swiss has called an extraordinary Fifa congress "as soon as possible" to elect a new president.

Blatter was re-elected last week, despite seven top Fifa officials being arrested two days before the vote as part of a US prosecution.

But he said: "My mandate does not appear to be supported by everybody."

Fifa was rocked last week by the arrests on charges of racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering as part of a US prosecution that also indicted 14 people.

A separate criminal investigation into how the 2018 and 2022 World Cups were allocated is also under way.

"I am very much linked to Fifa and its interests. Those interests are dear to me and this is why I am taking this decision," added Blatter.

"What counts most to me is the institute of Fifa and football around the world."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/32982449

More details to come

It's long past due.
You claim not to be corrupt, but under your watch as president many scandals occurred, there were bribery cases left, right and centre. Almost all the executives that have served with you have been arrested.
There has been a sickening level of corruption in football federations across the globe, especially Africa which you defend.
And you claim to be a saint.
This man should be probed.

Snoring

So,the corruption finally got him down.

Lesson for Nigeria?

http://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2015/jun/02/fifa-calls-press-conference-amid-latest-corruption-claims-live

With all those gibberish of pinnich(i or whats d NFF chairman called) on Cnn

Nice. . .Blatter is just a common smooth thief.

Wasn't surprised.I knew he will definitely step down.Blatter!goodbye.

darah:
With all those gibberish of pinnich(i or whats d NFF chairman is called) on Cnn

Don't blame Mr Pinnick for backing Blatter....Blatter has done quite a lot for developing countries.


That does not justify his corruption though.

So so angry now......it's time Africa, Asia, Middle East & the South Americanz reject anybody that will be brought forward by the Europeanz

Good news! How can someone rule for 16years.

I tot ruling for long period only happens in Africa.

Fifa needs to put a lot of things in place and the new president must get it right.

Bye bye Blatter, u can as well join GEJ in Otuke.

Good. front page

He let himself down big time! He should have cancelled the election and allow the investigation to run its course. Greedy fat cats

He must have been indicted one way or the other.

Nairalandinfo:
So so angry now......it's time Africa, Asia, Middle East & the South Americanz reject anybody that will be brought forward by the Europeanz

While I am not eager for UEFA's replacement...it is a fact that corruption was serious in FIFA.

Or what do you call FIFA dashing Jack Warner of CONCACAF $10million...for a ''diaspora fund to be administered by Mr Warner''

Corruption is corruption. Yuck.

P.S...Many South Americans may back UEFA.

Good news. Wind of change don blow reach FIFA, next is hayatou

Time for Africa to rid herself of Issa Hayatou before the next election because I am very sure CAF is also corrupt.

I am very sure Dr. Amos Adamu would be somewhere laughing out loud now, although, na thief all of them be

nerodenero:
Time for Africa to rid herself of Issa Hayatou before the next because I am very sure CAF is also corrupt.

I can't believe that he is still there

okay

He needs to be arrested.

Where is Amaju Pinnick? He openly canvassed for Blatter's re-election on CNN. Nonsense.

Finally!!!!!

Sepp blatter needs to be arrested, why step down after so many corruption allegation Why step down immediately after winning an election

I guess the guys that issued an arrest warrant for those arrested made a deal with him, its either he steps down and go quietly or remain and be disgraced out of office..

I guess taking the deal will cover his corrupt behind...SMH

Ok

Good one!! The world is tired of Blatter.

Lol. The fear of "FBI" is the beginning of wisdom. I hope extends its net to Issa Hayatou, AMOS ADAMU (the most corrupt of them all), Sani Lulu and other corrupt previous NFA chairmen.

That said, Kashamu, take note. You cannot excape judgement in the US.

In dbanj's voice......FINALLY

FINALLY! Thought this man would die there

Good news

Yea.........diz man wan turn FIFA to he own business

AMERICA GOT WHAT THEY WANTED AT LAST

GOOD DEVELOPMENT