Malta FA president Norman Darmanin Demajo told Times of Malta yesterday he was still unsure what led Sepp Blatter to quit FIFA, having only been elected to the president’s seat for a fifth successive term last week.

“We were not expecting this to happen... it’s a shock really,” Darmanin Demajo said.

“We still have to find out what led Blatter to take this decision. Something must have happened these past few days for sure.

“I was reading this morning about more allegations of corruption, this time leading to the 2010 World Cup allocation to South Africa and the involvement of a top FIFA official.

“That really raised a few eyebrows but I am not saying that was the reason for his resignation.”

On Friday, Blatter was re-elected after his only rival in the vote, Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, withdrew from the race after gaining 73 votes to the 79-year-old’s 133 in the first round.

Darmanin Demajo had given his support to Prince Ali in the election campaign and reckons the Jordanian should run again for the office.

“Prince Ali lost the election but got a significant number of votes in the first round which should be taken into consideration,” he said.

“Now, it will be interesting to see who is going to contest but, personally, I will be urging Prince Ali to try again.

“It’s time to turn a new leaf. What happened in Zurich last week was very disappointing. The FIFA Congress was completely dominated by politics.

“Delegates have to choose better this time... at least I hope.”