Sepp Blatter has sensationally quit amid the bribery scandal that has consumed FIFA.
In an astonishing announcement at FIFA HQ in Zurich, Blatter revealed that he is walking away after 17 years as the most powerful man in football.
Blatter is currently under the microscope as the FBI investigate whether bribes were authorised by the world governing body.
Speaking on Tuesday, Blatter said: ‘I have thoroughly considered and thought about my presidency and the last 40 years in my life. These years were closely related to FIFA and the wonderful sport of football I appreciate and love FIFA more than anything else.
‘I only want to do the best for FIFA and my institution. I decided to stand again as the best option for football. The elections are closed but the challenges we face haven’t come to and end. Fifa needs restructuring. Although fifa have given me a new mandate, it doesn’t seem to be supported by everyone – fans, clubs. Those who inspire FIFA like we do.
‘I only want to do the best for FIFA and my institution. I decided to stand again as the best option for football. The elections are closed but the challenges we face haven’t come to and end. FIFA needs restructuring. Although FIFA have given me a new mandate, it doesn’t seem to be supported by everyone – fans, clubs. Those who inspire FIFA like we do.
‘This is why we will cause a process, it will be held to. I will continue to exercise my function as president at FIFA until next time. The new elections will be held until in Mexico.
‘I will not stand of course and I am free from the constraints of an election. I will be free to focus on an election.
‘The executive committee that representatives of course. We need a structutual change of profile change. We need to look at the profiles and attitude of all the members. We need limitations on mandate in terms of office presidency for the president.
‘I am very much linked to FIFA and its interests which are very different dear to me. I repeat what counts most to me is the insitution fifa and football around the well. Thank you very much for your kind attention.’
It comes on the day FIFA was plunged into fresh turmoil after an explosive letter appeared to contradict its claims that Sepp Blatter’s right-hand man was not involved in the payment of an alleged $10million bribe.
The payment is at the heart of an FBI probe which claims the money was given to disgraced former vice-president Jack Warner and his deputy Chuck Blazer in return for them voting for the 2010 World Cup to be played in South Africa.
Secretary general Jerome Valcke was last night suspected of signing off the payment, but FIFA issued a statement this morning robustly denying he had any involvement.
They insisted it was instead authorised by Julio Grondona, the former finance chief and Blatter’s long-time ally who died last year.
However, just an hour later, a letter from the South African Football Association emerged that appeared to blow apart those claims.