BEIJING -- FIFA President Sepp Blatter's sudden resignation on Tuesday triggered a wide splash in football world.
It's a dramatic scenario resulted from US anti-corruption investigation on the world football governing body. Some football associations, mainly from Western countries, Blatter's opponents and critics, and some Western media hailed his quit as a possitive change for the sport, while those mainly from developing countries and regions holds a different view on this incident.
Michel Platini, UEFA president and Blatter's consistent critic, commented Baltter's decision as "difficult, brave and right".
Former Portugal soccer great Luis Figo, who pulled out of the FIFA presidency election in order to concentrate confrontation power to a single Blatter challenger, applauded Blatter's resignation, saying: "A good day for FIFA and for footbal... Change is finally coming. Now we should, responsibly and calmly, find a consensual solution worldwide in order to start new era of dynamism, transparency and democracy in FIFA."
Platini and Figo are both considered contenders to the vacant FIFA presidency, but they remain silent so far on next arrangement. Prince Ali bin al Hussein of Jordan, who was beaten by Blatter in a vote four days ago, manifested his willingness to take over Blatter directly as interim president before a new election takes place till at least December.
"As for new elections, Prince Ali is ready," said Sala Sabra, vice-president of the Jordanian Football Federation. Sabra added that the Prince was also ready "to take up the presidency immediately" if asked.
Brazil soccer legend Zico expressed his intention to run for FIFA presidency: "Why not? If it's open I can apply to FIFA. It is still an idea... Who knows?" said Zico on Facebookpage.
England's Football Association chairman Greg Dyke, one of Blatter's sharp critics, can't wait to to respond to the incident considering the country's defeat to Russiain 2018 World Cup bid, saying: "It is a good afternoon. I think it's brilliant for world football. This is the start of something new. He's not been honorable in years. Now he's gone -- let's celebrate."
FIFA sponsors, Hyundai, Coca-Cola, VISA and Adidas, made similar statements to support the 79-year-old's decision. Hyundai responded to it with "to be a positive first step in creating a governance structure that ensures the highest ethical standards for the sport."
Sponsors choose to stay away from their once close friend at this moment for brand and reputation protection.
Some of the Western media are anticipating the possibility of re-vote on 2018 and 2022 World Cup host cities if corruption investigation goes deep to dig out bribery, which will be likey to pave way for replacement of current World Cup host countries Russia and Qatar.
Dyke implied the bidding process of Qatar for the 2022 Wolrd Cup has some problems, saying: "If I was in Qatar, I wouldn't be very confident." His words were hit back by Qatar's Football Association (QFA), who stressed there's no wrong-doing in the bidding.
The chairman of Football Federation Australian Frank Lowy also questioned the bidding process for the 2022 World Cup, citing "there are something dark in it".
Blatter's solid supporters seemed to be puzzled with the sudden turnaround and are not ready to react. The Asian Football Confederation released a brief statement saying: "The AFC is closely monitoring the situation, and will discuss with its member associations and sister confederations in order to find the best way forward for both FIFA and world football."
CONCACAF president Alfredo Hawit and the Brazilian Football Association(CBF) commented on the situation flatly. "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," said Hawit.
CBF took it as "a surprise" and "it's a decision that is personal and deserves our most profound understanding."
Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee was quoted as saying:" We highly respect this decision of president Blatter to step down and to initiate the necessary reforms. And to make way for a new leadership of FIFA to drive these changes."
Kenya football head Sam Nyamweya felt dissappointed for Blatter's announcemnt saying "We are not happy. It is a disappointment to see that a person we had hope in, has been shoved aside by other forces outside the sport, for their own selfish interest."
"I hope we will elect a new president who will have the interest of football and Africa at heart."
Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov was quoted by the Tass Agency as saying "we are assuming that Mr. Blatter will fulfil his obligations until the next congress is held, so the work is continuing and our cooperation with FIFA is continuing."
"In 2018 the FIFA World Cup will be held for the first time on the territory of the world's largest country. The Russia 2018 LOC will continue to work closely with FIFA towards this goal on a daily basis," added Peskov.
