TIMELINE OF CONTROVERSY

MAY 2002

After becoming FIFA president in 1998, Blatter seeks re-election four years later but his campaign is blighted by rumours of financial irregularities.

DEC 2010

Blatter reveals Qatar will stage the 2022 World Cup.

MAY 2011

After rival Mohamed bin Hammam withdraws from the presidential election amid allegations of bribery, Blatter runs unopposed and elected for a fourth term.

APR 2013

FIFA’s ethics committee concludes an investigation into bribery allegations surrounding the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Blatter is cleared of any wrongdoing.

MAY 2015

Fourteen FIFA officials are arrested over ‘rampant and systemic’ corruption allegations. Blatter is urged to resign, despite not being implicated. He is again re-elected as FIFA president.

JUNE 2015

Blatter announces his resignation as president, before Swiss newspaper

Blick claims he did not actually resign.

YESTERDAY

Swiss prosecutors open a criminal investigation into him.