Sepp Blatter shocked the world Tuesday.
Just days after being reelected for a fifth term as FIFA president, Blatter said he will step down from the position he has held since 1998.
Blatter called for a congress to be organized to elect his successor. He said he’ll keep his position as president until his successor is elected.
The 79-year-old was reelected after running against Jordanian Prince Ali Bin al-Hussein, who eventually withdrew from running after the first round of voting.
The announcement comes in the wake of continued scandal within FIFA. Just last week, Swiss authorities acted on behalf of the United States Justice Department and arrested 14 people, including nine high-ranking officials.
“FIFA needs a profound restructuring,” Blatter said Tuesday.
The Women’s World Cup, which has its own share of controversy, begins Saturday.
Thumbnail photo via Walter Bieri/Keystone via The Associated Press
