Sepp Blatter says he will resign as president of football's governing body Fifa amid a corruption scandal. In announcing his exit, the 79-year-old has called an extraordinary Fifa congress "as soon as possible" to elect a new president.

Blatter said, at a hastily convened press conference in Zurich: "I have thoroughly considered my presidency and thought about my presidency and the last 40 years in my life.

"These years were closely related to Fifa and this wonderful sport of football, I appreciate and love Fifa more than anything else and only want to do the best for football and Fifa and our institution.

"I decided to stand again to be elected because I convinced it was the best option for football. The challenges that Fifa are facing have not come to an end.

"Although the members of Fifa gave me a new mandate, this mandate does not seem to be supported by everyone in the world.

"This is why I will call an extraordinary congress to held as soon as possible for a new president elected to follow me as new president with a new election held."