Platini lauds Blatter's 'brave' resignation; Gulati: 'An occasion for optimism'

The reaction, like a runaway freight train rampaging down a hill, continues to pour in following Sepp Blatter's staggering revelation on Tuesday that he will give up his throne as president of FIFA.

The 79-year-old, loathed by so much of the football community, was - in a change of pace to much of Tuesday's reaction - applauded by UEFA president Michel Platini for his decision.

"It was a difficult decision, a brave decision, and the right decision," said Platini, who admitted last week he asked Blatter to step down ahead of the Friday's presidential election - which the incumbent Swiss ended up winning.

Not alone in his tone, U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati released the following statement later in the day, reacting to Blatter's announcement.

The announcement today by President Blatter represents an exceptional and immediate opportunity for positive change within FIFA. I commend him for making a decision that puts FIFA and the sport we love above all other interests. This is the first of many steps towards real and meaningful reform within FIFA. Today is an occasion for optimism and belief for everyone who shares a passion for our game.

Both men have long been established as stern detractors of Blatter and his regime, with Gulati revealing last week he would not vote for the Swiss chief ahead of the aforementioned election.

Portuguese icon Luis Figo, who had planned to run against Blatter in the recent election before withdrawing from the race, also released a statement on the shocking resignation.

"A good day for FIFA and for football. Change is finally coming," Figo wrote on his Facebook page. "I said on Friday that the day would come sooner or later. Here it is!

"Now we should, responsibly and calmly, find a consensual solution worldwide in order to start new era of dynamism, transparency and democracy in FIFA."