Portuguese Great Luis Figo to Fight Sepp Blatter for FIFA Presidency
The former Sporting Lisbon, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan forward joins former French star David Ginola in the race to replace Sepp Blatter as boss of world football's governing body.
Portuguese great Luis Figo on Wednesday became the latest shock candidate for the role of FIFA president.
The former Sporting Lisbon, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan forward joins former French star David Ginola in the race to replace Sepp Blatter as boss of world football's governing body, reports bbc.com.
"Football has given me so much during my life and I want to give something back to the game. I look at the reputation of FIFA right now and I don't like it. Football deserves better," Figo, who represented Portugal in 127 matches, said.
Prince Ali of Jordan, Dutchman Michael van Praag and Jerome Champagne are also would-be presidential challengers.
Blatter has been FIFA boss since 1998 and intends to run for a fifth term.
"In recent weeks, months, and even years, I have seen the image of FIFA deteriorate. As I speak to many people in football - to players, managers and association presidents - so many of those people have told me that something has to be done," Figo, who won the Champions League with Real Madrid in 2002, said.
The 42-year-old Figo also won the Ballon d'Or in 2000 and was FIFA Player of the Year in 2001. In 2000, the former Portugal captain made a controversial move from Barcelona to bitter La Liga rivals Real Madrid for a then world record fee of 37m euros.
All potential candidates have to register their interest in standing before Thursday's deadline.
According to FIFA electoral committee member Dominico Scala, all confirmed challengers must pass an anti-corruption test.