A WHIRLWIND WEEK

Corruption charges have dogged FIFA for years, but the events of the past week led to the downfall of Sepp Blatter, the longtime head of soccer's governing body:

Wednesday: At the request of the United States, top FIFA officials are arrested in Zurich, Switzerland, for alleged racketeering, conspiracy and corruption charges.

Thursday: United States Attorney General Loretta Lynch lays out an indictment containing claims of bribery involving millions of dollars in return for securing World Cup votes.

Friday: Amid the corruption charges, Blatter is re-elected to a fifth term as FIFA president when his only competitor, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, conceded after one round of voting.

Monday: The New York Times reports American law enforcement officials believe FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke — Blatter's second-in-command — transferred $10 million in 2008 in bribe money for votes to give the 2010 World Cup to South Africa.

Tuesday: Blatter resigns, saying that FIFA "needs a profound restructuring." He will remain president until a special election is held sometime this winter to appoint his successor.

NEWS SERVICES