FIFA President Sepp Blatter leaves IOC after 16-year term

Sepp Blatter decided not to run for re-election as a member of the International Olympic Committee on Monday, bringing his 16-year term with the IOC to a close.

The decision apparently had nothing to do with the scandals Blatter is facing in his other job, as the president of FIFA. An IOC age restriction would require him to step down when he turns 80 next March.

IOC President Thomas Bach said Blatter informed him of his decision by letter on July 23.

“He does not deem it to be appropriate to stand for re-election for eight years knowing that after seven months his term would come to an end,” Bach said of Blatter.

That would be so unlike Blatter, wouldn’t it? You know, the guy who ran for and was reelected for a fifth FIFA presidential term in May only to announce his intention to step down days later.

The FIFA election took place on the heals of a U.S. Justice Department announcement of indictments against 14 individuals with ties to FIFA. No charges have been filed against Blatter, although he is part of an FBI criminal probe.

FIFA plans to elect Blatter’s successor as president on Feb. 26.