Former Real Madrid star Luis Figo has announced his intention to stand for the FIFA presidency.
Sepp Blatter has held the role for three terms and has announced his intention to carry on when the elections take place later this year. Other candidates who have put their name forward include former Newcastle winger David Ginola, Prince Ali Hussein of Jordan, and Michael Van Praag the head of the Dutch FA.
Speaking to the press on Wednesday about his decision to challenge Blatter for the leadership or the world governing body, Figo said he was tired of the image FIFA was giving today and how there is no solidarity in the game anymore.
“I care about football so what I’m seeing regarding the image of Fifa, not only now but in the past years, I don’t like it. Last year was a World Cup year, I was in Brazil, I saw the reaction of the fans regarding the image of Fifa,” he said.
And he added: “Something has to be changed. Change in leadership, in governance, in transparency, in solidarity. Now is the time for that.”
The former World Player of the Year has the five letters required from five national associations, meaning he is a serious candidate for the top job.
