I've not resigned as FIFA president, says Sepp Blatter

Sepp Blatter has told a Swiss newspaper he has not quit as FIFA president, adding to speculation he may try to stay on as head of world soccer's governing body that is gripped by a corruption scandal.

"I have not resigned, rather I am offering my mandate at an extraordinary congress," Blatter is quoted as telling Swiss newspaper Blick in an article published on Friday.

The paper said Blatter had spoken on Thursday at his first public appearance since the June 2 news conference where he said he would step down as FIFA president and call a leadership election in the wake of the corruption scandal.

A FIFA spokesman said by email: "We can confirm the president has been correctly quoted." FIFA was not immediately available for further comment on his meaning.

However, Blatter's words seemed to be less final than what he said on June 2, which was: "I have decided to lay down my mandate at an extraordinary elective Congress. I will continue to exercise my functions as FIFA president until that election."