Sepp Blatter has called an extraordinary FIFA congress to elect a new President after stepping down as leader of the governing body.
In a shocking announcement on Tuesday, Blatter announced that he was voluntarily bringing an end to his 17 years at the head of world football.
He claimed that FIFA needed to undergo profound restructuring. It was a noble act by the one individual who was exempt from any blame of corruption or wrong-doing.
Gary Lineker led the tributes to the great man who will be sorely missed.
Blatter has resigned. Can't quite believe it. FIFA always appeared to be such a fine upstanding organisation.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 2, 2015
Blatter’s statement reads as follows:
“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. I decided to stand again for election for the good of football.
“I will organise 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.
“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.”
What a gent.
