Fifa president Sepp Blatter: 'I did not resign' following corruption scandal

Sepp Blatter has fuelled speculation he will not stand down as Fifa president after insisting he has not resigned as head of the footballing body.

Speaking publicly for the first time since his apparent announcement that he will quit as president in the wake of the corruption scandal, Blatter told an audience at the Fifa museum in Zurich: "I did not resign. I put myself and my office in the hands of the Fifa congress," according to reports in Swiss newspaper Blick.

Speaking about the museum, he added: "Only those who know the past can understand the present and shape the future. Or in other words: the ball is round – but only those who come from outer space know the actual dimensions of our sport.

"For me personally, the museum is a labour of love. But do not get me wrong: I'm not ready for the museum nor for a waxwork yet."

There have previously been reports Blatter is considering staying on as Fifa president after being urged to do by African and Asian football associations.

Klaus Stöhlker, who was one of Blatter's closest advisers during his last presidential election campaign, also said the 79 year old could continue his 17-year reign if a "convincing candidate" does not come forward to replace him.

Uefa president Michel Platini and Prince Ali of Jordan – who Blatter beat in the last presidential election days before he announced he will retire – are among the names rumoured to be in the running to stand in the next election.

Blatter has not been questioned in the separate criminal investigations by US and Swiss authorities looking into allegations of bribery involving the hosting of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in Russia and Qatar, as well as other football tournaments dating back to the 1990s.