Sepp Blatter has paid tribute to Nelson Mandela, who passed away this evening at the age of 95.

The FIFA head described the former South African president as a "dear friend", and hailed his impact on the 2010 World Cup.

"It is in deep mourning that I pay my respects to an extraordinary person, probably one of the greatest humanists of our time and a dear friend of mine - Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela," he said.

"He and I shared an unwavering belief in the extraordinary power of football to unite people in peace and friendship, and to teach basic social and educational values as a school of life.

"When he was honoured and cheered by the crowd at Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium on July 11, 2010, it was as a man of the people, a man of their hearts, and it was one of the most moving moments I have ever experienced. For him, the World Cup in South Africa truly was 'a dream come true'.

Blatter went on to say that the flags of the 209 member countries at the home of FIFA will be flown at half-mast in memory of Mandela, and confirmed that there will be a minute's silence ahead of the next round of international fixtures.

"Nelson Mandela will stay in our hearts forever. The memories of his remarkable fight against oppression, his incredible charisma and his positive values will live on in us and with us," he added.

"As a mark of respect and mourning, the flags of the 209 member associations at the home of FIFA will be flown at half-mast and there will be a minute's silence before the next round of international matches."

News of Mandela's death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from across the world of politics, sport and beyond.