The Frenchman is ready to challenge Blatter.
Former Premier League star David Ginola has emerged as a surprise candidate to challenge Sepp Blatter for the FIFA presidency, reports CaughtOffside.
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Ginola made his name in England with Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa and was named PFA Player of the Year back in 1999.
The Frenchman’s bid to usurp Blatter is being backed by bookmakers Paddy Power – who have a reputation for public stunts – although most of £1.8m needed is planned to be raised through fan donations.
Ginola thinks that football needs to be changed and hopes that supporters around the world will agree with him and put their money where their mouth is.
“It is time that football was refreshed,” the 47-year-old said.
“We have to be brave and deal with what is going on in this game we love.
“I know it will not be easy for me to be elected but I have to try.
“I’m not interested in dwelling on the sins of the past, this is about taking football forward and putting supporters at the centre of the game.
“Football belongs to the people and they deserve to have a voice.
“We want transparency so that everyone knows where every penny goes.
“People need to be able to trust the decisions being made by those in charge.
“I’m doing this because I believe I can make a difference.
“Football is a game which brings people together and this is what Fifa should focus on.
“I’m always being asked questions about what is needed to change Fifa. Well now I’m going to do something about it.
“Players understand that without the fans who pay for tickets or subscriptions on TV there is no professional game.
“Football is the most important sport in the world. That is why the people who watch it must be included in everything we do.”
FIFA rules stipulates that candidates must have been working in football for two of the last five years and Ginola has a letter from French third tier side Etoile Frejus Saint-Raphael confirming he has been helping them with coaching, development and their academy.
Now he needs five of the 209 member associations to nominate him and has already started trying to gain support across the globe.
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