In a stunning turn of events, FIFA President Sepp Blatter resigned his post at a hastily scheduled press conference.
Blatter stepped down only four days after being re-elected to his fifth presidential term and The Guardian reports his resignation is part of an internal effort to galvanize “profound reforms” that clean up corruption within the soccer world. (RELATED: Seth Blatter Wins Fifth FIFA Term Amid Corruption Scandal)
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.
My mandate does not appear to be supported by everybody. This is why I will call an extraordinary meeting.
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.
Blatter departs. pic.twitter.com/areGUTZysE
— Richard Conway (@richard_conway) June 2, 2015
Following Blatter’s statement, FIFA official Domenico Scala stated the organization would schedule a new congress — to be held between December 2015 and March 2016 — to elect a new president and vote on Mr. Blatter’s proposed reforms.