Recently re-elected for the fifth term, Sepp Blatter announced his resignation to the joy of many critics - a congress to elect his successor will be held as soon as possible.
Zurich announced the decision at an impromptu press conference. Earlier, the US Department of Justice charged Blatter's general secretary Jerome Valcke with an illegal $10 million payment to former FIFA vice president Jack Warner.
"I have carefully considered my presidency and the 40 years I have spent at FIFA. I love FIFA more than anything else and I want only the best. I have decided to participate in the election for the good of football," Blatter said.
"It seems my mandate is not supported by all. That's why I have called for an extraordinary meeting."
"I will organize an exceptional congress to elect my replacement as president. I will not remain in office. I am now free from all elections. I will be in a position that will help to focus on reforms. We have been trying to implement reforms for many years, but it was not enough."
"We need to limit the number and duration of mandates. I fought for these changes, but my efforts were neutralized."
Blatter led FIFA from 1998.
The elections to determine the new president will likely be held between December and March.
