DPA/Berlin
Luis Figo and Prince Ali Bin al-Hussein announced yesterday that they have submitted their candidatures to become FIFA president but rivals Jerome Champagne and David Ginola have yet to reveal if they have enough nominations.
Applicants need nominations from five national associations to be able to challenge Joseph Blatter as head of football’s world governing body ahead of the vote on May 29.
Blatter, whose organisation has been mired in corruption allegations, is widely expected to have the necessary backing to run again and former world player of the year Figo said he also had enough nominations ahead of a January 29 deadline.
“I am very happy to confirm that my six nominations were delivered to FIFA this week ahead of the deadline,” the Portuguese, 42, wrote on Twitter.
“I’d like to thank my colleagues and friends from the nominating FAs and across the football family who have already given me their backing.”
Media reports said Denmark, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland and Portugal have nominated the former Real Madrid and Barcelona winger.
Jordan’s Prince Ali said in a statement he had submitted his candidature and therefore had the necessary support.
“The campaign for the presidency of FIFA has entered a new phase, and the number of candidates signals a strong desire for change. It is vital that a genuine debate is held and a consensus is established on key issues,” the FIFA executive committee member said.
Dutch FA president Michael van Praag has already submitted his papers and has enough nominations but Frenchmen Champagne and Ginola are being coy.
Former France winger Ginola, being paid by an Irish bookmaker to stand, said in a statement on Thursday: “I am awaiting confirmations to complete the required 5 nominations. This is obviously very difficult.”
Champagne, a former FIFA official, told dpa: “I am following the official calendar of the election committee.”
Blatter, 78, is seeking a fifth term and is liked in Asia, Africa and South America having helped award World Cups to Japan/Korea, South Africa and Brazil but is viewed with suspicion in Europe after the controversial bidding for the 2018 and 2022 events.
Former Portuguese international and Inter Milan player Luis Figo.
