CONCACAF ready to help rebuild FIFA

World football must seize the opportunity to change following the resignation of embattled FIFA president Sepp Blatter, with CONCACAF ready to help rebuild the governing body.

With FIFA embroiled in corruption claims, Blatter announced his sudden departure after 17 years at the helm on Tuesday, having only been re-elected for a fifth term four days earlier.

Blatter also confirmed an Extraordinary Congress will be held to appoint his successor.

The 79-year-old Swiss’ departure has been met positively by CONCACAF president Alfredo Hawit, who said in a statement: “We are at an important moment for the game, a moment that we must not squander.

“CONCACAF stands ready to assist in the process of rebuilding FIFA in a way that strengthens the game for many years to come.”

Blatter’s decision to stand down comes in the wake of fresh allegations of bribery, this time involving FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke.

Reports out of the United States claim Valcke was responsible for transferring a $10million payment to CONCACAF – then led by the indicted Jack Warner, with US authorities alleging the sum was paid as a bribe to secure the 2010 World Cup for South Africa.

FIFA strongly denied those claims on Tuesday.

Last week, nine past and present FIFA officials were among 14 individuals indicted on charges of racketeering, conspiracy and corruption following a request by United States authorities.