USA Soccer: Sepp Blatter’s Resignation First Step Toward Real, Meaningful Reform

The United States Soccer Federation certainly is happy about Sepp Blatter’s resignation.

U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati released a statement Tuesday after Blatter said he’d step down, praising the FIFA president for his decision and declaring it a step in the right direction.

“The announcement today by President Blatter represents an exceptional and immediate opportunity for positive change within FIFA,” Gulati said. “I commend him for making a decision that puts FIFA and the sport we love above all other interests. 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.”

Blatter said he will remain FIFA president until his successor is elected. FIFA is mired in a bribery scandal, and some of the organization’s officials were arrested last week.