I have not resigned – Blatter

SeppBlatter has fuelled speculation about his future by
insisting he has not resigned as FIFA president but will
lay down his mandate at a special congress.
Blatter announced on June 2 he would step down from
the FIFA presidencyat an extraordinary congress to be
held between December and March. It followed the
crisis that engulfed FIFA with 18 people indicted in the
United States on football-related corruption charges.
Now, in what is seen by some as a mischief-making
attempt to unsettle his critics, Blatter used his first
public appearance since his announcement to say, “I
have not resigned, I put my mandate in the hands of an
extraordinary congress,” sportinglife.com reports.
It follows reports in the Swiss media that Blatter may
consider putting his name forward again after being
contacted by supportive national associations.
Speaking at the FIFA Museum, Blatter also added,
according to Swiss newspaper Blick: “Only those who
know the past can understand the present and shape
the future. Or in other words: the ball is round – but
only those who come from outer space know the actual
dimensions of our sport.”
On June 2, Blatter announced at a press conference that
he would “lay down (his) mandate at an extraordinary
elective congress” but until that election, would
continue as president.
He did add, however, that the election would be for his
“successor” and said at the time: “I shall not be a
candidate.”
Blatter is himself reportedly under investigation by the
FBI and his attendance at the women’s World Cup final
in Canada next week appears to be in jeopardy due to
the twin investigations by American and Swiss justice
authorities.
A source close to FIFA said the crisis is having a
bearing over whether Blatter travels to Canada. The
Swiss attorney general is also investigating the bidding
process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Blatter would normally attend the final and hand over
the trophy to the captain of the winning team but a
FIFA spokesperson said: “In terms of the FIFA president
and the FIFA secretary general (Jerome Valcke), their
future travel plans will be confirmed in due course.”