Blatter says 'no' to stand down call from European Parliament

Outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter has rejected the European Parliament's call to stand down from his post immediately.

A FIFA spokesperson said the organisation was perplexed by the European Parliament's resolution. It was well known, following his re-election, that the FIFA president already decided to lay down his mandate at an extraordinary elective Congress, Sport24 has reported.

The European Parliament had earlier called on Blatter to step down and allow someone else to make changes and reforms in world football's governing body.

The FIFA spokesperson added that the president was focused on ensuring the passage of imperative reforms and the election of a new president.

Meanwhile, the date for the next FIFA Congress is expected to be set by the executive committee at its meeting on July 20.