epa04780637 FIFA president Joseph S. Blatter speaks during a press conference at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, 02 June 2015. (EPA/Ennio Leanza)
Zurich, Reuters—Blatter resigned as FIFA president on Tuesday, four days after being re-elected to a fifth term.
The 79-year-old, announced the decision at a news conference in Zurich, six days after the FBI had raided a hotel in Zurich and arrested several FIFA officials.
He was re-elected after his only rival, Jordan’s Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, withdrew after gaining 73 votes to Blatter’s 133 in the first round of voting.
“I have thoroughly considered my presidency and thought about my presidency and the last 40 years of my life,” Blatter, speaking in French, told the news conference that had been delayed by 45 minutes.
“These years were closely related to FIFA and this wonderful sport of football. I appreciate and love FIFA more than anything else and only want to do the best for football and FIFA and our institution.
“I decided to stand again to be elected because I was convinced it was the best option for football.
“Although the members of FIFA gave me a new mandate, this mandate does not seem to be supported by everyone in the world.
“This is why I will call an extraordinary congress to be held as soon as possible, for a new president to be elected to follow me.”