Former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan star Luis Figo has confirmed he will stand against Sepp Blatter in the running for FIFA’s presidency.

CNN Football Club revealed the Portuguese legend’s intentions:

The player himself also made an announcement on Twitter:

Figo’s full interview with CNN’s Alex Thomas can be viewed here.

Martyn Ziegler of the Press Association provided quotes from the 42-year-old’s discussion:

Vitally, Figo has confirmed he possesses the five nominations of support needed by Thursday to be considered a legitimate candidate, per football writer Ben Lyttleton:

The retired winger spoke about the moments in which he realised change needs to happen, as reported by Chris Murphy and Chris Eldergill of CNN:

Last 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 it’s the moment for that.

He also suggested Michael Garcia’s report into the controversial bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups—which FIFA failed to publish—helped him make a decision, per Murphy and Eldergill:

After that report was not published I think that was the moment of change and the moment I thought that something had to be done.  If you are transparent and if you ask for an investigation, a report, which you have nothing to hide, why don’t you make public that report? If you have nothing to hide about that, you have to do it.

Figo remains a favourite for many supporters who grew up watching his Galactico-era success with Madrid. He is due to stand against other candidates including Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein of Jordan, Dutch FA president Michael van Praag and even ex-Tottenham Hotspur star David Ginola.

It already seems Figo’s potential campaign is of a more serious standing than Ginola’s. For one, Figo’s attempts to oust Blatter aren’t backed by gambling site Paddy Power, as reported by Nick Harris of the MailOnline.

Figo’s immediate confirmation that he has the necessary weight behind his candidacy also ensures he won’t be accused of simply trying a publicity stunt, claims Ginola recently had to battle against, per Sky Sports.

On Blatter’s presidency since 1998, Figo suggested “no-one is untouchable,” per Murphy and Eldergill. His willingness to stand against the controversial Swiss leader is likely to take many by surprise, particularly as Figo made little indication he would run for president before Wednesday’s announcement.

It will certainly be interesting to hear which new and interesting ideas he would install. Blatter’s FIFA presidency has often been accused of taking football back to the “dark ages,” with suggestions the sport needs a younger, more in touch overseer to make the major decisions. 

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