News Digest

Portugal legend Luis Figo officially joins the race to batter Blatter

Former Portugal international Luis Figo confirmed on Friday he has obtained the backing letters of six national football associations, with five being the minimum, to challenge Sepp Blatter for the FIFA presidency. “I am happy to confirm that my six backing letters have been sent to FIFA this week ahead of the deadline,” the 42-year-old former Real Madrid and Barcelona star said on his Twitter account. FIFA’s electoral commission must now validate or refuse, within approximately ten days, the candidates eligible to challenge the long-serving Blatter at the May 29 elections.

I would like to thank my colleagues and friends from the nominating FAs and across the global football family who have already given their backing to my campaign, and sent messages encouraging me in this mission.

Luis Figo

Figo joined Netherlands federation president Michael van Praag in having nominations only from Europe, where opposition to Blatter is focused. Figo said in a statement he received the endorsement of Portugal, Denmark, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Poland.  Van Praag has been backed by Belgium, the Faroe Islands, Romania, Scotland and Sweden. FIFA Vice President Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan is the only non-European running for the post against Swiss Blatter.