FIFA President Sepp Blatter To Resign

FIFA president Sepp Blatter is to quit amid a corruption scandal engulfing the footballing body.

The 79-year-old said an extraordinary congress is to be called to elect his successor as soon as possible.

He was only re-elected to a fifth term in office on Friday - two days after the crisis was triggered by the arrest of several FIFA officials in Zurich.

The Swiss authorities have said Blatter is not part of their inquiries, but ABC News reports he is being investigated by the FBI and US prosecutors.

Jordan's Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, who failed in his bid last week to oust Blatter, has announced he will stand in new elections for the presidency.

Former French international David Ginola is also to throw his hat into the ring.

:: Blatter Resignation: Live Updates

Blatter said: "I cherish FIFA more than anything and I want to do only what is best for FIFA and for football.

"I felt compelled to stand for re-election, as I believed that this was the best thing for the organisation.

"That election is over but FIFA's challenges are not. FIFA needs a profound overhaul.

"While I have a mandate from the membership of FIFA, I do not feel that I have a mandate from the entire world of football - the fans, the players, the clubs, the people who live, breathe and love football as much as we all do at FIFA.

"Therefore, I have decided to lay down my mandate at an extraordinary elective congress.

"I will continue to exercise my functions as FIFA President until that election."

During that period Blatter said he would "focus on driving far-reaching, fundamental reforms".

"I have fought for these changes before and, as everyone knows, my efforts have been blocked.

"This time, I will succeed," he said.

Blatter concluded: "It is my deep care for FIFA and its interests, which I hold very dear, that has led me to take this decision.

"I would like to thank those who have always supported me in a constructive and loyal manner as President of FIFA and who have done so much for the game that we all love."

FA chairman Greg Dyke told Sky News: "It is a deeply flawed, possibly corrupt organisation that needs a lot of work.

"That was not going to happen while he was there.

"When I left on Friday night I was interviewed by quite a lot of people and I said he will never last four years, but even I could not have dreamt that he would be gone by Tuesday.

"I do not believe it was an ethical view from him because if he had an ethical position he would have gone last week or several times before but certainly last week."

Pressing for an investigation into FIFA's books by forensic accountants, Mr Dyke added: "I suspect you will find millions and millions have disappeared out of football."

UEFA President Michel Platini, who has urged Blatter to quit ahead of Friday's election said: "It was a difficult decision, a brave decision, and the right decision."

The former Manchester United chief executive David Gill has also said he will "reconsider" his decision to refuse a seat on the FIFA executive committee following Mr Blatter's re-election.

He said in a statement: "As I announced following the election at FIFA Congress, I simply could not countenance serving on the FIFA executive committee alongside Mr Blatter.

"I respect his decision but am pleased he is standing aside and by the clear determination for real change within FIFA. This in turn allows me to reconsider my position.

"Having yet to confirm formally my resignation, I am more than willing to play my part in helping to bring about a positive future for FIFA and to work with the many people within the organisation who are only committed to developing and promoting the game around the world."

Sponsors, who had raised concerns around the FIFA corruption allegations, have responded positively to Blatter's resignation.

The Coca-Cola Company said: "The announcement today is a positive step for the good of sport, football and its fans.

"We believe this decision will help FIFA transform itself rapidly into a much-needed 21st century structure and institution."

McDonald's said: "The allegations of corruption and questionable ethics within FIFA have overshadowed the game and taken away from the sport, players and fans.

"We're hopeful that the changes being implemented within FIFA will be a big first step in positively reforming the organisation and gaining back trust from fans worldwide."