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Portugese legend Luis Figo announces he will stand for FIFA President
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Former Sporting Lisbon, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan forward Luis Figo 42, has thrown his name in the hat to replace Sepp Blatter as FIFA President.
He has joined another former player in Frenchman Daivd Ginola, as well as Prince Ali of Jordan, Dutchman Michael van Praag and Jerome Champagne as challengers to Blatter, who has been in charge of football's governing body since 1998.
Blatter hopes to retain his presidency but has faced stern criticism in recent years amid claims of bribery and corruption at the highest level of the organisation. The selection for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in particular has brought the FIFA name into disrepute, with several major sponsors walking away.
But former Portugal captain Figo is hoping that he can rebuild FIFA's reputation. He said in a statement,"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. 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."
All potential candidates have to register their interest in standing before Thursday's deadline, and must have the backing of at least five country's FAs to legitimise their candidacy.
Figo is a former Ballon d'Or winner and won the Champions League with Real Madrid in 2002, and was at one time the most expensive player in the world.