NewFIFANow welcomes resignation of Sepp Blatter

The surprise resignation of Sepp Blatter as President of FIFA just days after being reelected to the position has been welcomed by those calling for reform within world football's governing body.

Beset by a mounting corruption scandal engulfed world football's governing body, Blatter told media at FIFA's Zurich headquarters "I don't feel I have a mandate from the entire world of football.

The 79-year-old Swiss official, who has led FIFA for 17 years and who was only re-elected on Friday, said he would remain in charge until a special congress can choose a new leader.

Campaign group #NewFIFANow welcomed the announcement, releasing a statement that read "this is (an) encouraging step for football.

"However, to achieve genuine systemic reform of FIFA, we need a new FIFA and not one 'organised' in the coming months until a FIFA Congress by Mr Blatter's colleagues inside and outside FIFA House to carry on with the 'FIFA Way'. FIFA has shown that it cannot be trusted to reform itself.

“For this reason, #NewFIFANow will continue to advocate with fans, football associations, supporters groups, sponsors, player representatives and governments for the establishment of a short-term independent reform commission to completely transform the governance of world football.

"What is needed is systemic change to the governance arrangements, not shuffling of deck chairs.”

New Zealand Football Chief Executive Andy Martin issued a statement following Blatter's resignation, explaining “when we announced our intention to vote for Prince Ali last week, we said real change within FIFA could only be implemented with a new President in place.”

“Accordingly, we believe today’s announcement is the right decision to begin to rebuild the reputation of FIFA.

“We look forward to playing a role in the coming process to secure a positive change which benefits everyone who loves the game of football.”

UEFA President Michel Platini, a former Blatter ally who last week said Blatter should resign, stated “it was a difficult decision, a brave decision, and the right decision.”

30th May 2015 - VOTES FROM ASIA AND OCEANIA HELP SECURE NEW FIFA PRESIDENTIAL TERM FOR SEPP BLATTER

27th May 2015 - CORRUPTION ARRESTS ROCK FIFA IN ADVANCE OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION