FIFA president Sepp Blatter's decision to resign, amid the crisis surrounding alleged corruption at football's organising body, has been welcomed by football leaders.

In announcing his exit, the 79-year-old Swiss has called an extraordinary FIFA congress "as soon as possible" to elect a new president.

Despite having been re-elected last week, Blatter said: "My mandate does not appear to be supported by everybody."

The extraordinary congress that Blatter has called for is expected to take place between December 2015 and March 2016.

The Football Association chairman, Greg Dyke, described the development as “brilliant for world football” and the president of Uefa, Michel Platini, said it was “the right decision”.

Meanwhile, John Whittingdale, the secretary of state for culture, media and sport, said this was the beginning of a reform process for FIFA.

“Governments, national associations and international confederations, along with players and fans have all called for Sepp Blatter to resign in recent days," said Whittingdale.

"We welcome his belated announcement, but this is only the beginning of the process of change we need to see from FIFA. I sincerely hope this is the first step to a new FIFA that can command the confidence and respect of the football world once again.”