Blatter resignation fails to settle graft storm

Sepp Blatter's resignation as FIFA president failed Wednesday to quell the corruption storm surrounding football's world body that now even threatens to ensnare him.

The FBI is now looking into Blatter's role in tens of millions of dollars of bribes given to football officials, according to US media.

Interpol meanwhile put six other suspects, including two former FIFA executive members, on its most wanted list.

Blatter's decision sparked a global race to take over as head of the world's richest and most powerful sporting federation.

South Korean tycoon Chung Mong-Joon, Jordanian Prince Ali bin al Hussein, who was beaten by Blatter in a vote last Friday, and Brazilian football legend Zico all said they could take part. Most eyes remain on Michel Platini, the UEFA president who has not given a hint of his plans.

Platini did call off a meeting of the European confederation to discuss the FIFA crisis in Berlin on Saturday because of the "uncertain and unpredictable events" surrounding the body.

Blatter, who has ruled FIFA for 17 years, vowed that in his remaining months in office he would "focus on driving far-reaching, fundamental reforms that transcend our previous efforts."

The New York Times, which broke news of seven arrests before the FIFA congress last week, quoted law enforcement officials and other sources to back their report that the FIFA chief is now in line. US Attorney General Loretta Lynch refused Wednesday to comment on reports that Blatter is also a FBI target.

In parallel to the US inquiry, Swiss prosecutors are looking into the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments to Russia and Qatar. Both countries said they are carrying on with their preparations.

Putin last month accused Washington of trying to oust Blatter after he resisted pressure to stop Russia hosting the 2018 World Cup. His spokesperson Dmitry Peskov admitted that Tuesday's resignation of the longtime world football boss had "of course" caught the Kremlin by surprise.

"He's not been honorable in years. Now he's gone - let's celebrate," declared English Football Association chief Greg Dyke.

The EU said Wednesday the resignation of world football boss Sepp Blatter was just "one step in a long process" to reform FIFA and restore trust in football's governing body.

Key sponsors said FIFA still has a lot of work to do to clear its name.

Coca-Cola called the move "a positive step for the good of sport, football and its fans." South Korean auto group Hyundai-Kia urged FIFA now to create "a governance structure that ensures the highest ethical standards for the sport."

Credit card giant Visa said Blatter's resignation was "a significant first step" but added: "More work lies ahead."