President of the Dutch football federation Michael van Praag was another candidate who withdrew before the elections on 29 May.

He tweeted: I wanted change for the FIFA and this may be a very big step in the right direction. Let's truly accomplish

The Dutch federation (KNVB) have said in a statement: "Given the campaign conducted by Michael van Praag and the KNVB, it will be clear that the Netherlands Football Association welcomes Sepp Blatter's resignation as president of FIFA.

"The fact that he has chosen to step down only days after his re-election is striking but no cause for speculation as far as the KNVB is concerned. Everyone who has seen the images and followed the news knows that Mr Blatter's reelection failed to bring the peace he wanted."