Tuesday, 2 June 2015

Sepp Blatter to RESIGN as FIFA president

Sepp Blatter to RESIGN as FIFA president
Depp Blatter has revealed he will step down as president of FIFA.
A host of high profile bosses within the game subsequently called for Blatter’s resignation, including FA chairman Greg Dyke and UEFA chief Michel Platini, who said he was disgusted by the scandal.
And, in an astonishing and unexpected turn of events, Blatter has indeed called time on his 17-year reign, just four days after his re-election.
Addressing a press conference gathered at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, he called an extraordinary congress "as soon as possible", saying "a new president will be elected to follow me".
Blatter said: "I will organise an extraordinary congress for a replacement for me as president. I will not stand. I am now free from the constraints of an election.
"I will be in a position to focus on profound reforms. For many years we have called for reforms. But these are not sufficient.
"I have thoroughly considered and thought about my presidency and the last 40 years in my life. These years were closely related to FIFA and the wonderful sport of football.
"I appreciate and love FIFA more than anything else. I only want to do the best for FIFA and my institution.
"I felt compelled to stand for re-election, as I believed that this was the best thing for the organisation. That election is over but FIFA's challenges are not. FIFA needs a profound overhaul.”
More to follow...

Fifa: Sepp Blatter to quit as president amid corruption scandal


Sepp Blatter says he will resign as president of football's governing body Fifa amid a corruption scandal.
In announcing his exit, the 79-year-old has called an extraordinary Fifa congress "as soon as possible" to elect a new president.
Blatter was re-elected last week, despite seven top Fifa officials being arrested two days before the vote as part of a US prosecution.
But he said: "My mandate does not appear to be supported.

Transfer Rumour and Gossip


Here's the top transfer-related stories in Tuesday's newspapers...
Diego Costa has told friends he wants to QUIT Chelsea this summer and return to Spain. The striker is homesick and is prepared to take a massive paycut to rejoin Atletico Madrid. The Blues, however, will fight to keep him at Stamford Bridge. (The Sun)

Real Madrid will open talks over a £45million move for Raheem Sterling in the next fortnight. The winger wants to leave Liverpool and the Spanish giants are keen to tie up a deal. (The Sun)
Liverpool are poised to complete the signing of free agent James Milner this week as manager Brendan Rodgers prepares for his first post-season face-to-face meeting with key figures among the club’s American owners, Fenway Sports Group. (Independent)

Bayern Munich star Bastian Schweinsteiger remains Manchester United’s No.1 midfield target this summer. But United are ready to switch their attention to Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin if they fail to strike a deal for the Germany skipper. (Daily Star)

Manchester United believe they are in pole position to recruit Dani Alves from Barcelona should Louis van Gaal wish to sign the right-back. Other right-backs United may consider are Everton’s Séamus Coleman and Paris Saint-Germain’s Gregory van der Wiel. (Guardian)

Christian Benteke will tell Aston Villa he wants to leave the club for European football next season, despite the Midlands club being willing to make the striker the best-paid player in their history. That is a boost to Liverpool, who are chasing the Belgian. (The Times)

Liverpool and Tottenham target Andriy Yarmolenko has opened the door for a move to the Premier League by admitting that now is ‘the perfect time to change clubs’. The £20m-rated Dynamo Kiev forward Yarmolenko led the Ukrainian club to their domestic title this season and says he has had discussions with the club about moving on this summer. (Daily Mail)

And here's the latest Sports Arena headlines via TalkSport

Arsenal's Jack Wilshere apologises for anti-Tottenham chants

Jack Wilshere has apologised if his anti-Tottenham chants during the FA Cup victory parade on Sunday caused any offence
Jack Wilshere has apologised if his anti-Tottenham chants during the FA Cup victory parade on Sunday caused any offence.
The 23-year-old, who came through the Arsenal youth ranks, took to the microphone to mock the club's fierce rivals as the players celebrated on a stage outside the Emirates Stadium.
In similar scenes to 12 months ago, Wilshere then proceeded to lead the massed ranks of Arsenal supporters in a chant which included expletives against Spurs, who again finished below their north London neighbours in the Barclays Premier Leaguetable.
The England international earlier on Monday received backing from the Arsenal Independent Supporters' Association, but also drew plenty of criticism, including from former Gunners' striker Niall Quinn who said Wilshere had "overstepped the mark".
While falling short of saying sorry for making the remarks, Wilshere used a Twitter post to apologise to anyone who had been upset by them.
"Sharing back2back Cup wins with so many amazing Gooners is a dream come true. Apologies if I upset or offended any of u with my celebrations," Wilshere wrote.
Wilshere is set to join up with England later this week for the June internationals, and there is no suggestion at the moment that the Football Association are looking into the matter.
Arsenal, though, issued a swift apology during their in-house media broadcast of the event and are understood to have spoken to Wilshere about his conduct.

Brendan Rodgers to meet with Liverpool chairma


Under-fire Brendan Rodgers to meet with Liverpool co-owner



Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is set to meet with chairman Tom Werner as part of his end-of-season review this week, as reports over the Northern Irishman’s future continue.
Despite a disappointing campaign, which concluded with a disastrous 6-1 defeat at Stoke on the final day of the season, the club have maintained the manager's position is not under immediate threat.
Although Werner is due to arrive on Tuesday, it is understood principal owner John W Henry will not be accompanying him.
Werner is England to attend the Premier League's AGM, which takes place on Wednesday and Thursday this week, which also suggests a more routine nature to his meeting with the boss.
Rodgers has had annual reviews of the season since he was appointed three years ago, and he is due to sit down for the third instalment with Mike Gordon, owners Fenway Sports Group's key man at Anfield, for a "robust and thorough" examination of the previous ten months.
The Reds boss has had regular contact with the club's American-based owners throughout the season and Werner's visit is likely to just be an extension of that dialogue, even if the questions are slightly more uncomfortable after Rodgers missed out on FSG's minimum target of Champions League football by finishing sixth.
News that Jurgen Klopp, one of the names touted as a possible replacement, is to take a break after leaving Borussia Dortmund has further strengthened the short-term position of Rodgers, who only signed a new four-year contract 12 months ago after almost winning the title.

No Premier League move for Jurgen Klopp


Jurgen Klopp rules out Premier League move this summer as ex-Borussia Dortmund boss confirms sabbatical
Jurgen Klopp will not be heading to the Premier League in the near future after revealing he is taking an indefinite break from football.
Manchester City and Liverpool are among a host of clubs across Europe reportedly eyeing the charismatic German.
But Klopp has made the decision to take a hiatus before committing to a new project after talks with his agent Marc Kosicke on Monday.
"After seven intense and emotional years, I think it's a good idea to let the numerous memories settle in before I take on a new challenge with my coaching team, refreshed and fully motivated," Klopp said in a statement published by Germany's SID agency.
"I'm going to take a break until further notice."

Rafa Benitez lands in Spain ahead of Real Madrid move


Rafa Benitez has landed in Spain ahead of his expected move to Real Madrid
Rafa Benitez has landed in Spain ahead of his expected move to Real Madrid.
The former Napoli manager, who spell at the Serie A side came to end with a 4-2 defeat at home to Lazioon Sunday, is set to be handed the reins at the Bernabeu.
Madrid-born Benitez has been strongly linked with Real this summer, the club where he started his coaching career.
"I am enthusiastic and happy," Benitez said to the Spanish press upon his arrival in the capital. "Although there are things that still need to be discussed."
Real sacked coach Carlo Ancelotti last week following a trophy-less season.
Benitez has been away from Spain since 2004 when he left Valencia to take the helm at Liverpool.
Landing the Real job would be the biggest challenge of Benitez's career and when asked if his dream begins now, he said: "Yes."
Benitez has been one of the biggest coaching names in football for more than a decade having led Valencia to two Primera Division titles, back-to-back appearances in the Champions League final and a UEFA Cup crown.
He also steered Liverpool to Champions League glory in 2005, where his team staged a major comeback in the final to stun an Ancelotti-led AC Milan.
Benitez also won the FA Cup and UEFA Super Cup while at Liverpool.
The veteran has never been short of work opportunities.
He coached Inter Milan in 2010 but was sacked three months into the Serie A season.
The Spaniard then guided Napoli to win the Coppa Italia in his first season in charge.
Had Napoli won their last game against Lazio on Sunday, they would have finished third and qualified for the Champions League preliminary round.
Sunday's defeat left the club in fifth place in Serie A.

Saturday, 30 May 2015

England will back European boycott of 2018 World Cup - Dyke

Sepp Blatter and Greg Dyke

England would back a European boycott of the 2018 World Cup in protest at the re-election of Sepp Blatter as Fifa president, says Greg Dyke.
A boycott will be considered by European football's governing body Uefa when it meets next week in Berlin.
Football Association chairman Dyke said: "There's no point boycotting on our own, but if the rest of Europe decided to boycott we would join them."
He also said England would not bid to host the World Cup under Blatter.
The 79-year-old Swiss was on Friday re-elected for a fifth term as the head of football's world governing body despite seven Fifa officials being arrested by the US Justice Department over allegations of corruption.
Blatter himself has not been implicated.
"The truth is that he will not be able to sort out a fundamentally corrupt organisation, which is what Fifa is," Dyke claimed, "because he's been there too long.
"If you're the captain of the ship, and the ship is sinking, then if you can't get it back up, you should go.
"That's exactly what he should have done. He should have resigned this week."
World Cup places: Russia 2018
Hosts: 1 (Russia)
Asia: 4 (plus one play-off place)
Europe: 13
North and Central America: 3 (plus one play-off place)
Africa: 5
Oceania: 0 (one play-off place)
South America: 4 (plus one play-off place)
Prince William, the president of the FA, speaking before Saturday's FA Cup final at Wembley, described this week's events as Fifa's "Salt Lake City moment", referring to the incident in 1998 when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) faced similar allegations.
"There seems to be a huge disconnect between the sense of fair play that guides those playing and supporting the game, and the allegations of corruption that have long lingered around the management of the sport internationally," he said.
"Fifa, like the IOC, must now show that it can represent the interests of fair play and put the sport first."
Fifa's executive committee ruled on Saturday that European nations could hold the 2026 tournament, opening the possibility of England bidding to stage the tournament 60 years after winning it as hosts for the first and only time.
However, the decision on who will host that World Cup will be made in May 2017, halfway through Blatter's four-year term of office.
Blatter had considered preventing any continent that held a World Cup from hosting the next two - which would have ruled out Europe after Russia 2018.
Fifa plans to stick with its current rotation system, by which no continent can host two successive World Cups.
It means that nations from any continent can bid for the 2026 tournament, except for Asian countries as Qatar will host the competition in 2022.
Fifa has also decided that Europe will retain its 13 places at the World Cup finals, which will continue to consist of 32 teams.
Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan, who conceded defeat to Blatter  in Friday's presidential election, had pledged to increase the number of teams at the finals to 36  in time for Russia 2018 had he won.
Speaking to Fifa's Congress in Zurich shortly after his re-election on Friday, Blatter had hinted that he would seek to give Oceania a guaranteed place at the finals - a move that would probably have taken a spot away from Europe.
But instead, the winners of the Oceania section will continue to have to play-off against a team from another confederation for a place at the World Cup.

FA's David Gill rejects Fifa executive committee role

David Gill (left) and Sepp Blatter

The "damaging events" of the past week convinced Football Association vice-chairman David Gill to reject a place on Fifa's executive committee while Sepp Blatter is president. Gill did not attend Saturday's first executive committee meeting following Blatter's re-election to a fifth term.
"My professional reputation is critical to me," said Gill in a statement.
"I simply do not see how there will be change for the good of world football while Mr Blatter remains in post."
Gill, who was due to sit on the committee as Britain's Fifa vice-president, had told the BBC  before Friday's election that he would not take up his position should 79-year-old Blatter be re-elected.
The former Manchester United chief executive's statement added: "This action is not something I take lightly but the terribly damaging events of the last three days have convinced me it is not appropriate to be a member of the Fifa executive committee under the current leadership.
"I do recognise that Mr Blatter has been democratically elected and wish Fifa every success in tackling the many troubling issues it faces.
"I will continue to focus on my positions within the FA and Uefa, which I take seriously and am privileged to hold."
Blatter told a news conference: "He has given no excuse or reasons for his absence. Yesterday (Friday), he was installed officially as a member of the Fifa exco and I am waiting.
"When you are elected you do not come even to the first meeting. This is not responsible, if you are elected you have to come."
Gill, 57, was only elected two months ago for a four-year term. The British vice-presidency is elected by members of Uefa, European football's governing body, and an election for his successor is now likely to take place.
Blatter beat Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan in Friday's Fifa presidential vote despite a crisis which has seen seven Fifa officials arrested and a separate Swiss criminal investigation into the bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

Former England captain announces retirement

Rio Ferdinand

Former England captain Rio Ferdinand has retired from football, days after being released by Queens Park Rangers.
The 36-year-old said it was "the right time" to retire from "the game I love", in a statement read out on BT Sport. 
London-born Ferdinand, who had 12 years at Manchester United after spells with West Ham and Leeds, last played for QPR in March.
In the statement, he paid tribute to his wife Rebecca Ellison, who died from breast cancer on 1 May.
Announcing his retirement, Ferdinand said: "After 18 years as a professional footballer, I now feel it's the right time for me to retire from the game that I love.
"As a 12-year-old boy, kicking around a football on the Friary Estate in Peckham, I never dreamt that I would play for my boyhood club West Ham, captain Leeds United, win the Champions League with Manchester United, or re-join my first manager Harry Redknapp at Queens Park Rangers.
"I will always regard the 81 times that I played for England with immense pride. These are all treasured memories that will last a lifetime."
Ferdinand began his career under Redknapp at West Ham, and had a short loan spell at Bournemouth before making his England debut at the age of 19 in 1997.
He joined Leeds for £18m in 2000, and then moved to Manchester United two years later in a deal worth £29.1m, which at the time was a world-record fee for a defender.
While at Old Trafford, he won six Premier League titles, and lifted the Champions League in 2008 as Chelsea were beaten on penalties in Moscow.
He captained England for the first time in 2008, and replaced John Terry in the role on a full-time basis in February 2010, but missed out on the chance to lead his country at that year's World Cup in South Africa after suffering knee ligament damage during a pre-tournament training session. Terry was reinstated as captain in 2012.
Manchester United released Ferdinand in 2014 and he moved to QPR, but was unable to save them from being relegated as they finished bottom of the Premier League.
Former United and England team-mate Paul Scholes said of Ferdinand: "He was a great player, without a doubt the best centre-half I ever played with. I would say for a time as well he was the best centre-half in the world.
"He was such a pleasure to play with and play in front of. To play in front of him, he made your job so easy."
Former England striker Michael Owen, who also played alongside Ferdinand at Old Trafford, tweeted:  "What a player he was; absolute Rolls Royce."

Newcastle announce relegation saviour Jonas Gutierrez to be released


Newcastle announce relegation saviour Jonas Gutierrez to be released




Newcastle have announced they are releasing Jonas Gutierrez, less than a week after he helped the club stave off relegation from the Barclays Premier League.
Gutierrez provided one goal and scored the other in what proved to be his last match for the Toon, who have confirmed the Argentine and defender Ryan Taylor are to leave when their contracts expire on June 30.
In a statement announcing the departures, managing director Lee Charnley said: "Ryan and Jonas have both contributed significantly to Newcastle United over a number of years and on behalf of the board, I would like to place on record our sincere thanks to both players for the excellent service they have given the club.
"It was a great pleasure to see Ryan and Jonas come back into the team in recent weeks and compete at the highest level after the injury and illness battles they have had to overcome.
"To come through those difficult periods with such strength and dignity will have given hope and inspiration to many and it is clear that our supporters have a deep connection and affection for both players, as does everyone associated with the club."

Tottenham complete deal for Cologne defender Kevin Wimmer


Tottenham complete deal for Cologne defender Kevin Wimmer
Tottenham have completed the signing of defender Kevin Wimmer from Cologne.
The 22-year-old centre-back has moved to White Hart Lane for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £4m.
Wimmer, an Austria international, has signed a five-year contract with Mauricio Pochettino's side.
Having joined Cologne from LASK Linz in 2012, he helped then win promotion to the Bundesliga and made 72 appearances for the club.
He told their official website: "Tottenham is a huge chance for me. Nonetheless, it won't be easy saying goodbye to Cologne.
"I experienced wonderful moments here, such as the promotion and the Klassenerhalt (staying up).
"I want to thank the training staff, my teammates, and all those involved in the club for their extraordinary support.
"Cologne and its fantastic fans will always remain something special for me."
Cologne general manager Jorg Schmadtke added: "Kevin has improved tremendously during his time here and has developed into an Austrian international player.
"Of course it is with some regret that he will be leaving us, but we understand that he is getting the opportunity to play for one of the biggest traditional clubs in London.
"In our dealings with Tottenham we were able to reach an agreement that all parties were happy with."

Liverpool to face NO competition from Manchester United in race for Southampton star

Liverpool will face no competition from Manchester United in their bid to sign Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne.
Liverpool are in the market for a right-back after they decided to release Glen Johnson.
Atletico Madrid defender Javier Manquillo, who is half way through a two-year loan spell at Anfield, has found it hard to break into the Reds first-team this season and Jon Flanagan is out for another nine months because of a knee injury.
Given that Clyne has one year left on his contract, the Merseyside club are hopeful of luring the 24-year-old to Anfield, but a £10million bid has reportedly been rejected.
United are aware of Clyne's contract situation and scouted the defender earlier this season, but Press Association Sport understands they are no longer interested in the England international.
That leaves Liverpool as the front-runners for Clyne's signature and they are said to be contemplating a second bid for the full-back.
A fortnight ago, Southampton sounded optimistic about their chances of persuading Clyne to extend his contract.
Clyne has been a regular in the Saints first team since he moved to St Mary's from Crystal Palace three years ago.
The right back enjoyed his finest campaign at the south-coast club last season and earned his first England cap against Slovenia last November.
He has since played three more times for Roy Hodgson's side and has been included in the national squad for the upcoming double-header against the Republic of Ireland and Slovenia next month.

Friday, 29 May 2015

Greg Dyke would be surprised if Sepp Blatter was still FIFA president in two years time

FA chairman Greg Dyke would be surprised if Sepp Blatter was still FIFA president in two years
Football Association chairman Greg Dyke says he would be "very surprised" if Sepp Blatter was still FIFA president in two years.
Blatter saw off the challenge from Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan after a week which saw seven FIFA officials arrested and 18 people connected to football indicted on corruption charges by the US justice department.
The Swiss won the first round by 133 votes to 73 and, after Prince Ali decided to withdraw ahead of the second round, the 79-year-old was installed as FIFA president for another four years.
Earlier on Friday, Dyke backed the idea of a co-ordinated European boycott of the World Cup - and speaking after the vote in Zurich, he said: "This is not over by any means.
"To quote the Attorney General this is the beginning of the process, not the end.
"The idea Blatter could reform FIFA is suspect. I'd be very surprised if he was still in this job in two years time."

Sepp Blatter re-elected for fifth term as Fifa president

Sepp Blatter re-elected for fifth term as FIFA president
Sepp Blatter has been re-elected for a fifth term as Fifa president after Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein withdrew from the second round of voting at the election in Zurich.
The Swiss administrator, who has held the post for nearly 17 years, commandingly won the first round, but fell seven votes short of the 2/3 majority required to remain in charge.
But, after the controversial 79-year-old recorded a 133-73 first count advantage over his Jordanian counterpart, Al Hussein surrendered his candidacy after recognising the extent of the defecit.
Mr Blatter thanked Prince Ali for standing down as a contender despite his "very good result."
He told the election audience: "Thank you that you accepted me, that for the next four years I will be in command of this boat called Fifa, and we will bring it back, off shore, and back to the beach, we will bring it back, where finally football can be played, beach soccer can be played everywhere.
"I take the responsibility to bring back Fifa, we can do it, and I'm convinced we can do it."
Blatter received a standing ovation at the end of a speech which he finished with: "Let's go Fifa! Let's go Fifa!"
Blatter has consistently reiterated his desire to retain control, despite calls, including from UEFA president Michel Platini, to stand down.
The result means Blatter will serve four more years at the helm.

Thursday, 28 May 2015

Dick Advocaat leaves role as Sunderland head coach

Dick Advocaat has left his role as Sunderland head coach after deciding to end his career as a club manager on a high.
The Dutchman has been a hit since taking over from axed boss Gus Poyet in March, and was seen in tears on the pitch after a battling 0-0 draw at Arsenal which saw the Black Cats complete their great escape from Premier League relegation.
However, following the game the 67-year-old refused to comment on his future at the Stadium of Light, having only agreed a short-term deal until the end of this season when he was appointed.
And, after talks with the Sunderland board this week, Advocaat has chosen not to continue the job, stating he no longer wished to work in club management.
In a press release, Black Cats chairman Ellis Short said: “Although I am extremely disappointed, I understand and absolutely respect his decision.
“In his brief time here he made a real impact and lifted the club with his experience and enthusiasm. We will always be grateful to him for what he achieved.”
Advocaat was a popular figure in his short stay on Wearside, and received the backing from his Sunderland stars to continue as boss.
But, having beat the odds to steer Sunderland clear of the drop, the coach admitted it was time for him to bring his career to a close, stating it was "always Sunderland or nobody."
Speaking about his decision, the former Netherlands boss said: “At certain moments in your life you have to make a decision and I am almost 68 years old now. A number of clubs contacted me but the decision was always Sunderland or nobody.
“I would like to thank the Chairman, Lee, the staff and of course the fans. We gave everything in our time there and achieved what we set out to. Sunderland has been one of the highlights of my career.”
Sunderland will now undergo the task of appointing a new head coach, with club legend Michael Gray telling talkSPORT Sam Allardyce would be a prime candidate following his exit from West Ham.

FA chairman Greg Dyke: "Sepp Blatter has to go as FIFA president"


Football Association chairman Greg Dyke insists: "Sepp Blatter has to go as FIFA president."
Dyke's comments came after FIFA endured the darkest day in its scandal-strewn history as US investigators blew the lid on "rampant, systemic, and deep-rooted'' corruption.
Dyke told Press Association Sport: "Blatter has put out a statement saying now is the time to start rebuilding the trust in FIFA. There is no way of rebuilding trust in FIFA while Sepp Blatter is still there.
"Sepp Blatter has to go. He either has to go through a resignation, or he has to be out-voted or we have to find a third way.
"I think the time has come where the damage this has done to FIFA is so great that it can't be rebuilt while Blatter is there so UEFA has got to try to force him out."
Football's world governing body was plunged into crisis after a wave of arrests of football officials including two FIFA vice-presidents in Zurich on Wednesday on bribery, fraud and money laundering charges following an FBI investigation.
The US Department of Justice indictment of 18 people said bribes totalling more than 150million US dollars (£98million) had been paid for television rights, sponsorship deals and World Cup votes. The crisis led UEFA to call for Friday's FIFA presidential election to be postponed and the European body questioned whether its 53 voting associations should even attend the Congress.
In a separate development, the Swiss attorney general also opened criminal proceedings over the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, seized documents and electronic data from FIFA's headquarters and will question 10 current FIFA executive committee members who voted on that tournament.
UEFA's statement has intensified the pressure on Blatter, but the world governing body has insisted the election will take place as planned.
The arrests began at 6am as Swiss police swooped on the five-star hotel used by FIFA executives and arrested seven officials including Jeffrey Webb, a FIFA vice-president from the Cayman Islands who holds a British passport. Another FIFA vice-president, Eugenio Figueredo from Uruguay, was also arrested and Swiss officials said six of the seven are contesting extradition proceedings to the USA to answer indictments.
US Attorney General Loretta Lynch said: "The indictment alleges corruption that is rampant, systemic, and deep-rooted both abroad and in the US.
"It spans at least two generations of soccer officials who, as alleged, abused their positions of trust to acquire millions of dollars in bribes and kickbacks."
The indictments implicate South Africa in paying 10million US dollars to disgraced former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner from Trinidad for votes to host the 2010 World Cup - with the money being channelled through a FIFA bank account authorised by an unnamed high-ranking FIFA official.
It also alleges corruption and bribery extended to the 2011 FIFA presidential election, and to agreements regarding sponsorship of the Brazilian national team by a major US sportswear company. Nike has sponsored Brazil since 1996 and said it opposes bribery and is co-operating with the authorities.
A warrant was issued for Warner's arrest in Trinidad and he is facing an extradition hearing to the USA. His two sons have pleaded guilty to corruption charges, while Chuck Blazer, who is believed to have provided much of the evidence to the FBI, has admitted 10 charges.
Warner later handed himself into authorities in Trinidad and was released on 2.5million US dollars bail pending an extradition hearing, according to a statement from Trinidad's attorney general.
FIFA reacted by provisionally suspending the 11 football officials among the 18 people indicted. Blatter issued a statement saying: "This is a difficult time for football, the fans and for FIFA as an organisation. We understand the disappointment that many have expressed and I know the events of today will impact the way in which many people view us.
"As unfortunate as these events are, it should be clear that we welcome the actions and the investigations by the US and Swiss authorities and believe that it will help to reinforce measures that FIFA has already taken to root out any wrongdoing in football."
Russia 2018 organising committee head Alexey Sorokin insisted he was not concerned about the criminal investigation into the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and said there was no point in even discussing the idea of a re-vote for the tournaments - something FIFA has also ruled out.
He told Sky Sports News: "We have repeatedly stated that we're not afraid of any investigation.
"We cooperated with the investigation that was going on for about two years which was headed by Mr (Michael) Garcia. We submitted all the facts, all the papers, we submitted our testimonies - we did everything the process wanted us to do. We don't know what else we can contribute to that.
"We repeatedly said the process was transparent and that we're not concerned with any investigations. It's just strange there's a chance to go through the same thing again, where everything was seemingly closed."
Asked if he was worried about a re-vote, he added: "No, because we are so deep in the preparation, we've done so much. Our government, our country, has done so much already for the preparation of an excellent World Cup, I don't even want to discuss it with anyone."
On Blatter's future, he said: "We wish the current president all the success in the elections."
Blatter will not attend this morning's FIFA medical conference in Zurich and nor is he expected to attend the meeting of UEFA's member association heads after that, a FIFA spokesman told Press Association Sport.

Mario Balotelli's agent claims striker will NOT be leaving Liverpool this summer

Mario Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola claims the striker will NOT be leaving Liverpool this summer

Mario Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola claims the striker will NOT be leaving Liverpool this summer.
The Reds forward has struggled to settle at Anfield this season, following a £16million move from AC Milan last August.
Balotelli has been linked with a move away from the club, following a disappointing spell, after appearing to fall out of favour with manager Brendan Rodgers.
But, speaking to Sky Sports, Raiola insists the hitman will remain at the Merseysiders.
"We have talks with Liverpool and he will stay," he said. "I spoke many times with the club and they were happy with his input as a professional."
Asked whether the striker and manager Brendan Rodgers had adapted to each other over the course of the season, Raiola added: "I think Mario did, I cannot talk for Brendan Rodgers.
"Obviously we're pretty confident it'll happen next year."

Dnipro 2-3 Sevilla: Defending champions make history with fourth Europa League title


Dnipro 2-3 Sevilla: Defending champions make history with fourth Europa League title
The Premier League were shown what they’re missing in a captivating Europa League final, as defending champions Sevilla retained their title, and won place in next season’s Champions League, with victory in a five-goal thriller against Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk.
Often derided as a hindrance by English top flight sides, these two teams went about the Warsaw final as they would any other as fans were treated to an electrifying clash at Poland’s National Stadium.
Sevilla beat Porto to claim a record-equalling third UEFA Cup/Europa League trophy last season, and they appeared to have suffered a blow when Ukrainian side Dnipro took early lead after only seven minutes.
The Spaniard’s started well, with English referee Martin Atkinson waving away a penalty appeal when former Arsenal man Jose Antonio Reyes went down under a challenge, but within seconds Dnipro snatched a shock opener through ex-Blackburn striker Nikola Kalinic’s header.
Reyes was in fine form and proved a constant pest for the Dnipro back-four, and the 31-year-old played a key role as Sevilla rallied back and scored two quick-fire goals to go in front.
Poland international Grzegorz Krychowiak sparked the comeback, netting in front of his home fans with a low drive following a corner, and Reyes was instrumental as his fine assist found top scorer Carlos Bacca, who rounded the goalkeeper and slotted in.
Goalkeeper Sergio Rico, recently called up by Spain, then pulled off a superb save to tip a lovely curling effort over the bar, but he was helpless to stop Dnipro from levelling on the stroke of half-time through a wonderfully struck free-kick from captain Ruslan Rotan.
After a thrilling end-to-end opening 45, Sevilla were the dominant force after the break and, after a series of near-missed, they finally stuck the winning goal on 73 minutes; Bacca notching his second of the game after shocking Dnipro defending.
Bacca had the chance to complete a glorious final hat-trick, but fluffed a late effort from close-range, but it matter little for Sevilla, who held onto their lead to make history – sealing their fourth title and becoming the first ever team to defend the trophy.