Fifa's Sepp Blatter 'under investigation in US'

Fifa president Sepp Blatter is being investigated by US officials as part of their inquiry into corruption at the world football body, US media say.

The news came hours after Mr Blatter announced that he was stepping down from his role.
US prosecutors launched a criminal inquiry last week, with seven Fifa officials arrested in Switzerland, part of a group of 14 people indicted.

Two days after the arrests, Mr Blatter was re-elected president of Fifa.
However, he said on Tuesday that it appeared the mandate he had been given "does not seem to be supported by everyone in the world".
Mr Blatter said: "Fifa needs profound restructuring."

'Bribes and kickbacks'

US officials quoted in the New York Times said they hoped to gain the co-operation of some of the Fifa figures now under indictment on charges of racketeering and money laundering to try to build a case against Mr Blatter.

US Attorney General Loretta Lynch spoke of "deep-rooted" corruption in world football

Analysis by Nick Bryant, BBC News, New York

In announcing the indictments last week, the US Attorney General Loretta Lynch insisted that they were at the beginning of their investigation rather than the end.
She also called - just days before Sepp Blatter's re-election for a fifth term as president - for Fifa to make a new start.
It is primarily the American investigation that has plunged the world's governing body into the most serious crisis in its history.