As one 79-year-old man shuffled off the global stage, the world appeared to unite in celebration.
Following the resignation of FIFA president Sepp Blatter, many users of Twitter could hardly contain their glee.
With FIFA beset by allegations of corruption, the resignation of the man who has headed soccer’s governing body for 17 years was widely heralded as a good thing for football.
Football players past and present welcomed the news, including former England striker turned broadcaster Gary Lineker.
Former U.S. national team defender Alexi Lalas’ schedule was interrupted by the news.
Vincent Kompany, who plays for Belgium and Manchester City in the English Premier League, warned that football still has lots to do to repair its reputation.
Meanwhile Dutch soccer great Ruud Gullit wondered what could have prompted Blatter to announce this decision now.
It wasn’t just football figures who weighed in. British entrepreneur Richard Branson also had his say, while Piers Morgan thanked the U.S. for turning up the heat on FIFA.
In a rare turn of events, British journalist Marina Hyde was grateful to Blatter.
Portuguese football legend Luis Figo was one of the candidates who initially stood against Blatter in the presidential race before eventually pulling out ahead of last week’s ballot.
