Sepp Blatter announced at a press conference that he is set to resign from his position as President of FIFA. The Swiss head said he was putting the interest of the football association before his.
Sepp Blatter to resign from FIFA Presidency
FIFA's Sepp Blatter has announced that he is set to resign from his position as President of the football association
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Sepp Blatter - “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.”
We need a limitation on mandates and terms of office. I have fought for these changes but my efforts have been counteracted.”, he added.
He continues: “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.”
Blatter had earlier commented that since it appeared that his mandate was not supported by others, he would call an extraordinary meeting for a new election to replace him. “My mandate does not appear to be supported by everybody”, he said. “This is why I will call an extraordinary meeting", he added.
Domenico Scala, chairman of the Fifa audit and compliance committee, followed Blatter on to the stage to give details of the process for replacing the president, and future changes to the organisation.
“As the president has stated, these reforms will include fundamental changes to the way the organisation is structured,” said Scala.
Due to existing Fifa rules on the notice periods required for elections and for candidates to present themselves, the election may not take place until at least December.
“While the timing will ultimately be up to the executive committee, the timing of election is likely to be between December and March.”
The Swiss national has been at the head of FIFA for a stormy 17 years
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