The White House has welcomed Sepp Blatter's decision to stand down as president of FIFA.

The Swiss administrator resigned from his role on Tuesday, just days after being re-elected at congress in Zurich.

Blatter's resignation comes in the wake of bribery and corruption allegations against a number of past and present FIFA officials which is currently being investigated in the US.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said: "It's apparent from recent news reports that they'd benefit from some new leadership.

"This is an opportunity for that organization to try to improve their public image and to make sure that the actions of that organization are consistent with their mission."

Regarding the Justice Department's investigation, Earnest added: "Obviously, the prosecutors at the Department of Justice will carry out their work, you know, irrespective of any personnel decisions made at FIFA."