Sepp Blatter Resigns as FIFA President Amid Corruption Crisis
In a dramatic and unexpected twist, Sepp Blatter has announced his resignation as FIFA president, just days after securing a fifth term at the helm of world football’s governing body.
The 79-year-old Swiss, who had faced mounting pressure following a wave of corruption allegations linked to senior FIFA officials, made the announcement during a hastily arranged press conference in Zurich on Tuesday.
“My mandate does not seem to be supported by the entire world of football — the fans, the clubs, the players, those who live, breathe and love football,” Blatter said.
“Although I was re-elected, I do not feel I have the mandate of the football world. Therefore, I have decided to relinquish my mandate and call for an extraordinary congress to elect my successor.”
Blatter, who has led FIFA since 1998, confirmed he will remain in office until a new president is elected at a special congress to be held between December 2015 and March 2016. During this period, he pledged to implement “ambitious reforms” aimed at restoring FIFA’s integrity.
His resignation comes in the wake of a major investigation launched by U.S. authorities, which saw several FIFA officials arrested on charges including bribery, racketeering, and money laundering. Though Blatter was not directly implicated, the fallout has shaken the foundations of the organization.
UEFA president Michel Platini, one of Blatter’s most vocal critics in recent years, is now widely seen as a potential frontrunner to succeed him. Platini had previously urged Blatter to step down in the interest of restoring credibility to the sport’s global leadership.
The shock announcement has reverberated across the football world, including in Africa, where Blatter has long enjoyed strong support. His departure marks the end of an era — and the beginning of what many hope will be a new chapter of transparency and reform.
