Sepp Blatter: The rise and fall of Fifa's controversial president

Sepp Blatter has announced his resignation as president of Fifa amid an ongoing corruption probe by US authorities into the world footballing body.

Blatter, 79, who has been head of the organisation since 1998, announced he was standing down just days after being re-elected for a fifth successive term.

A man who is both loved and hated across the world, IBTimes UK looks at the rise and fall of one of football's most controversial figures.

1998

After working at Fifa since 1975, Blatter is elected president, succeeding João Havelange. He is re-elected in 2002, 2007, 2011 and 2015.

He works to increase the influence of Africa and Asia in world football, with Fifa awarding the 2002 World Cup to Japan/South Korea and 2010 World Cup to South Africa.

2004

Blatter accused of sexism after saying women's game can be improved by players wearing "tighter shorts".

2010

Allegations of corruption after 2018 and 2022 World Cups are awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively.

Qatar bid also draws controversy for the country's extreme climate, plans to move the tournament to winter and treatment of migrant workers.

When asked about the illegality of homosexuality in Qatar, Blatter joked that gay football fans should refrain from having sex at the World Cup.

2011

Blatter attracts controversy by saying "there is no racism" in football and that it can be solved on the field with a handshake.

2014

A Fifa report clears both Russia and Qatar of any wrongdoing.

But Michael Garcia, the US attorney involved in the investigation, criticises Fifa's summary as "erroneous" and "incomplete".

2015

Corruption probe by the US Justice Department sees seven senior Fifa officials arrested, including vice president Jeffrey Webb.

An investigation is also opened into the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar.

Several Fifa figures, including Uefa chief Michael Platini, call for Blatter to resign. He refuses and beats Prince Ali bin Hussein to secure a fifth term as president.

With reports that Blatter is under investigation by the FBI, he announces that he will resign.