Luis Figo announces bid for FIFA presidency

London Former Portugal and Real Madrid winger Luis Figo announced on Wednesday that he is to challenge incumbent Sepp Blatter in this years FIFA presidential electionLuis Figo PicAFPI care about football so what Im seeing regarding the image of FIFA not only now but in the past years I dont like it the 42yearold said in an interview broadcast by CNN If you search FIFA on the internet you see the first word that comes out scandal not positive words Its that we have to change first and try to improve the image of FIFAFootball deserves much better than this Figo joins Asian Football Confederation vicepresident Prince Ali bin Al Hussein Dutch football chief Michael vanPraag exFIFA executive Jerome Champagne and former France winger David Ginola in the running to unseat Blatter who will bid for a fifth term in office in the May 29 electionThe deadline for nominees to announce their candidature falls on Thursday Figo told CNN he had secured the necessary support from five national football associations but declined to identify them Ive been talking with so many important people in football players managers president of federations and they all think that something has to be done added Figo who won the Ballon dOr in 2000 and was voted FIFA World Player of the Year in 2001Last year was the World Cup I was in Brazil and I saw the reaction of all the fans regarding the image of FIFA and I think something has to be changed Change in leadership governance transparency and solidarity so I think its the moment for that As one of the most famous footballers of his generation Figo is the most highprofile candidate to have launched a bid to succeed BlatterThe 78yearold Swiss has been tarnished by accusations of corruption stemming from the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups which were awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively Hailing from Lisbon Figo played for Sporting Lisbon Barcelona Real Madrid and Inter Milan during a glittering career A skilful twofooted wide player he captained Portugal at the 2006 World Cup and won a total of 127 caps making him his countrys mostcapped playerAs well as working as an ambassador at Inter he has served on European governing body UEFAs Football Committee since 2011 I am convinced that FIFAs position as the governing body of world football is absolutely vital Figo added For this to be preserved it is essential that we see change at the top and we set FIFA on a new course which is all about football and less about politicsFootball runs through my veins I am a man of football inside out and I am ready to help bring about change Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho backed his compatriotsdecision to stand for the presidency Luis Figos candidacy is a great step forward for football His career over many years grants a better future for FIFA Mourinho said in a statementI believe in his character and determination as well as his passion for the game He will be a president focused on football and its general improvement acting closely with all federations The Portuguese Football Federation FPF said it was a huge honour to announce its support for Figos candidacy Its a difficult election but Luis will be persistent in putting across his points of view on what football needs the organisation added in a statement