FIFA president Sepp Blatter announced his resignation on Tuesday in the midst of a corruption scandal that has rocked soccer's world governing body. He was re-elected as president just four days ago.
This comes a day after evidence was found that his secretary general and right hand man, Jerome Valcke, making a $10 million payment from FIFA to an account controlled by the disgraced former vice president Jack Warner in connection with the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
During a conference in Zurich, Blatter said a special election would be held soon to appoint his successor. He will maintain his role as FIFA president until a new president is elected.
"FIFA needs profound restructuring," Blatter said. "Although members have given me the new mandate, this mandate does not seem to be supported by everyone. We will hold an extraordinary conference as soon as possible. A new president will be elected."
His successor is expected to be Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan, who lost to Blatter in the FIFA elections on Friday.
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