European lawmakers urge Blatter to go now, call on FIFA to appoint interim president

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FILE - In this May 30, 2015 file photo FIFA President Sepp Blatter, center, speaks next to Jerome Valcke, FIFA Secretary General, left, and Walter De Gregorio, Director Communications and Public Affairs, right, during a news conference following the FIFA Executive Committee meeting in Zurich, Switzerland. Soccer governing body FIFA said Thursday, June 11, 2015 that its director of public affairs Walter De Gregorio is leaving with immediate effect. (Ennio Leanza/Keystone via AP, file)

STRASBOURG, France – European lawmakers have urged FIFA President Sepp Blatter to step down immediately, and for an interim leader to be appointed.

Members of the European Parliament passed their resolution by a show of hands after debating the corruption allegations which have plunged soccer’s governing body into crisis.

FIFA is not obliged to heed the parliament and has previously dismissed calls for action made by lawmaker groups, including the Council of Europe.

Blatter announced his resignation plans last week and promised an election to replace him would be held within nine months.

FIFA rules require senior vice-president Issa Hayatou of Cameroon to step up as interim president if Blatter leaves before the election.

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