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Sepp Blatter - key moments in pictures

Published 9:41 AM EDT, Thu April 21, 2016
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Sepp Blatter was president of FIFA, football's world governing body, between 1998 and 2015.<br />
Sepp Blatter was president of FIFA, football's world governing body, between 1998 and 2015.
Christopher Lee/Getty Images
The 79-year-old Swiss dominated the world's most popular sport over this 17-year period. But his reign was not without controversy.
The 79-year-old Swiss dominated the world's most popular sport over this 17-year period. But his reign was not without controversy.
Bongarts/Getty Images
Blatter faced a criminal investigation after winning the 2002 FIFA presidential election, being accused of financial mismanagement by 11 former members of the ruling body's executive committee, including his 1998 election rival Lennart Johansson. However, prosecutors dropped the case due to a lack of evidence.
Blatter faced a criminal investigation after winning the 2002 FIFA presidential election, being accused of financial mismanagement by 11 former members of the ruling body's executive committee, including his 1998 election rival Lennart Johansson. However, prosecutors dropped the case due to a lack of evidence.
Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images
In 2004, Blatter angered female footballers with his suggestion for how the women's game could be made more appealing. "They could, for example, have tighter shorts," said the Swiss. "Let the women play in more feminine clothes like they do in volleyball."
In 2004, Blatter angered female footballers with his suggestion for how the women's game could be made more appealing. "They could, for example, have tighter shorts," said the Swiss. "Let the women play in more feminine clothes like they do in volleyball."
HECTOR MATA/AFP/Getty Images
Blatter performed a U-turn on the use of goal-line technology and apologized to the English Football Association after an incorrect decision during the 2010 World Cup. Despite replays showing a shot from England's Frank Lampard had clearly crossed the line in the last-16 clash with Germany, the goal was not awarded.
Blatter performed a U-turn on the use of goal-line technology and apologized to the English Football Association after an incorrect decision during the 2010 World Cup. Despite replays showing a shot from England's Frank Lampard had clearly crossed the line in the last-16 clash with Germany, the goal was not awarded.
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
In 2010, when England captain John Terry, who is married, was reported to have been involved with the partner of his former Chelsea teammate Wayne Bridge, Blatter responded:  "If this had happened in, let's say, Latin countries then I think he would have been applauded."
In 2010, when England captain John Terry, who is married, was reported to have been involved with the partner of his former Chelsea teammate Wayne Bridge, Blatter responded: "If this had happened in, let's say, Latin countries then I think he would have been applauded."
OLLY GREENWOOD/AFP/Getty Images
In December 2010, Blatter was heavily criticized for suggesting gay football fans should "refrain from sexual activity" if they wished to attend the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal. Blatter later apologized and said it had not been his intention to offend or discriminate.
In December 2010, Blatter was heavily criticized for suggesting gay football fans should "refrain from sexual activity" if they wished to attend the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal. Blatter later apologized and said it had not been his intention to offend or discriminate.
PHILIPPE DESMAZES/AFP/Getty Images
In December 2010 Blatter insisted that FIFA was "not corrupt ... there are no rotten eggs" despite two of his executive committee members -- Amos Adamu, pictured, and Reynald Temarii -- being suspended for accepting bribes in the lead-up to the vote for awarding hosting rights for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. He called England "bad losers" after losing out to Russia.
In December 2010 Blatter insisted that FIFA was "not corrupt ... there are no rotten eggs" despite two of his executive committee members -- Amos Adamu, pictured, and Reynald Temarii -- being suspended for accepting bribes in the lead-up to the vote for awarding hosting rights for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. He called England "bad losers" after losing out to Russia.
AFP/Getty Images
A Manchester City fan displays a banner with a message for FIFA President Sepp Blatter regarding his handling of  allegations of racism in football in 2011. Blatter had earlier suggested that incidents of racism on the pitch could be sorted out with a handshake when a game finished.
A Manchester City fan displays a banner with a message for FIFA President Sepp Blatter regarding his handling of allegations of racism in football in 2011. Blatter had earlier suggested that incidents of racism on the pitch could be sorted out with a handshake when a game finished.
PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images
While Blatter oversaw the first World Cups in Africa and Asia -- South Africa in 2010 and Japan and South Korea in 2002 -- he also presided over a decline in the public's perception of FIFA. Corruption allegations surrounded the bidding process relating to  the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively.
While Blatter oversaw the first World Cups in Africa and Asia -- South Africa in 2010 and Japan and South Korea in 2002 -- he also presided over a decline in the public's perception of FIFA. Corruption allegations surrounded the bidding process relating to the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively.
TORU YAMANAKA/AFP/Getty Images
Blatter sought another term at the head of FIFA in 2015 and although he initially achieved that feat, he stepped down shortly after.
Blatter sought another term at the head of FIFA in 2015 and although he initially achieved that feat, he stepped down shortly after.
KHALIL MAZRAAWI/AFP/Getty Images
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