The story of Sepp Blatter in pictures
How did Sepp Blatter rise to the top of world football? Here's a look at his career in pictures as his 17-year presidency comes to an end.
The king steps down
That is that: Four days after his controversial re-election, FIFA President Sepp Blatter has thrown in the towel, leaving football's governing body in chaos. After 17 years as president, Blatter has stepped down from the number one spot at FIFA - and is now subject to a scandal. The others are always corrupt, while Blatter sees himself as the sport's saviour and keeper.
Progressive career
When Blatter arrived at FIFA in 1975, he had already been in a few interesting posts in his career: secretary of the Swiss Ice Hockey Association, press secretary of the Swiss Sports Association, and director of public relations at a Swiss watch manufacturer. Driven by Adidas boss Adolf Dassler, Blatter made it into FIFA and was voted general secretary in 1981.
Right at the top
After 17 years as General Secretary under FIFA President Joao Havelange, the economist graduate took his chance to become president. In 1998, he beat favorite and then UEFA President Lennart Johansson to become Havelange's successor. Directly afterwards, rumors spread that he had bought votes to the top.
Huge loss
Blatter was regularly accussed of financial mismanagement. A year after being elected president, his own General Secretary Michel Zen-Ruffinen took on Blatter and blamed him of losing 100 million US dollars in marketing. Blatter prevented an internal investigation, survived a lawsuit in front of a Swiss court and pushed Zen-Ruffinen out.
And the winner is ... Germany!
In the summer of 2000, the Swiss was also a decisive man for German football. Everything depended on him to bring the World Cup to Germany. The fans were looking forward to the summer fairytale - Blatter meanwhile works to cement his power base within the FIFA. He was successfully re-elected in 2002.
Buying votes in the Middle East
A close confidant of Blatter in this period is Mohammed bin Hammam, FIFA executive member from Qatar. In 2007, when Blatter begins to see him as a competitor for his throne. In 2011, Bin Hammam competes in the presidential election against Blatter - and is suddenly confronted with bribery allegations. He withdraws his candidacy and is later banned for life by FIFA.
Two leading figures
Beckenbauer was suspended in 2014 by FIFA. He was also accused of having bought Germany's World Cup from Blatter. The two formed a close relationship in the past, but "nothing stuck between us" admitted the Kaiser after his suspension.
Blatter and Mandela
Blatter surrounds himself with the high-and-mighty of the world. UN Secretary-Generals one or another president, the Pope - in the end the most powerful man in football strikes sooner or later. In 2004, he goes to South Africa and meets national hero Nelson Mandela on-and-off. He then promised South Africa and Mandela the 2010 World Cup - and Africa's first.
The person I am
Blatter enjoys his power. He travels the world and sometimes is a state guest. He's especially welcomed in Africa and Asia where they see him as a mixture of the Messiah and Mother Teresa. Blatter has generously donated large sums of money and in return, he's treated as a demigod.