Brussels, June 11 (IANS): FIFA president Sepp Blatter should step down immediately from his post, the European Parliament said on Thursday.

The Swiss announced his intention to quit last week, following arrests of some officials for corruption and money laundering.

The 79-year-old will remain at the helm of affairs until the next president is chosen at an extraordinary Congress that will be held on December 16.

However, the European Parliament wants him to quit immediately, reports goal.com.

"The European Parliament demand, among other things, the immediate resignation of FIFA president Joseph Blatter," a statement said.

"Parliament welcomes Joseph Blatter's resignation as FIFA president and calls on the federation to select an interim leader to replace him.

FIFA should put in place a transparent, balanced and democratic decision-making process, including for the election of the new president, adds the resolution, which was passed by a show of hands," he added.

The statement also declared that the decisions to award Russia and Qatar the next two World Cups should be considered "invalid" if allegations of corruption regarding those processes are proven.