US Soccer says Sepp Blatter resignation can bring 'positive change'
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Version 0 of 1. US Soccer has welcomed Sepp Blatter’s decision to resign as president of Fifa in a statement released on Wednesday. “The announcement today by President Blatter represents an exceptional and immediate opportunity for positive change within Fifa,” read the statement from Sunil Gulati, the president of US Soccer. Related: Sepp Blatter to resign as Fifa president after 17 years in role Gulati added that he hoped the decision could lead to reform within football’s governing body. “I commend him for making a decision that puts Fifa and the sport we love above all other interests,” said Gulati. “This is the first of many steps towards real and meaningful reform within Fifa. Today is an occasion for optimism and belief for everyone who shares a passion for our game.” Last week, US Soccer said it would not vote for Blatter in the Fifa presidential election. Blatter won that election, beating US Soccer’s choice for president, Prince Ali bin Al Hussein. Gulati called it “a vote for good governance and promise for our game” at the time. The timing of Blatter’s resignation on Wednesday, so soon after his election victory, surprised many in world football. “While I have a mandate from the membership of Fifa, I do not feel that I have a mandate from the entire world of football – the fans, the players, the clubs, the people who live, breathe and love football as much as we all do at Fifa,” said Blatter. “Therefore, I have decided to lay down my mandate at an extraordinary elective Congress. I will continue to exercise my functions as Fifa President until that election.” |