Sepp Blatter Discusses Resignation as FIFA President, Plans for Election

FIFA President Sepp Blatter shed new light on his departure from the organisation during an interview on Saturday, in which he clarified he will not be among the candidates when football's biggest governing body elects a new leader in 2016.

A recent press conference at the FIFA museum had some doubting whether the longtime FIFA president was serious about stepping down, per NBC Sports' Nicholas Mendola, and former England international Gary Lineker was none too happy about it:

On Saturday, Blatter clarified his words a bit and explained why he made the decision to step down just days after winning the presidential elections.

Speaking to Walliser Bote (h/t the Associated Press' Graham Dunbar), he said: "It was the only way to take away the pressure from FIFA and my employees, including (pressure) from the sponsors. To remove FIFA and me personally from the line of fire. I am not a candidate, but the elected president. And I want to hand over FIFA in good condition."

That last comment didn't go over well with the Guardian's Owen Gibson:

Blatter's reign as president of FIFA has been as controversial as it has been successful. He has played a pivotal role in the sport's growth in Africa, Asia and Central America since ascending to the position in 1998.

At the same time, his reign has been filled with scandals and controversies. The New York Times lists several accusations and incidents on its website, including bribery, fraud and bid-rigging.

Blatter expects the new presidential elections to take place early in 2016, and he plans to be busy until then: “I am still president of FIFA and fully capable of acting. FIFA and football have been the most important part of my life for 40 years. So I will use all my strength and inspiration up to my last working day to steer the ship back into the safe harbour. “

He also acknowledged the FBI's investigation into his organisation and subsequent arrests had a massive impact on FIFA, calling the day the story came out an “earthquake” for football, although the interview never touched on his involvement or his apparent refusal to travel to countries where he could potentially be arrested.

The final of this year's Women's World Cup takes place in Vancouver, Canada. Traditionally, Blatter would be present to hand the trophy to the winning team, but FIFA have yet to confirm whether that will be the case this year. 

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