Former Portugal international Luis Figo is the latest to throw his hat in the ring to stand for the presidency of football's governing world body.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter faces more challengers Photo: PHOTOSPORT
He, along with Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein of Jordan, former FIFA official Jerome Champagne of France, ex-France international David Ginola and Dutch FA president Michael van Praag, want to challenge incumbent Sepp Blatter.
Figo, revealing his plans one day before nominations close to enter the race, says he has the five nominations needed.
The former Real Madrid and Barcelona forward told CNN he would run against FIFA head Sepp Blatter because "football deserves better" than its current reputation.
Figo, 42, was twice voted World Player of the Year and played for Portugal a record 127 times, scoring 32 goals.
"I care about football, so what I'm seeing regarding the image of FIFA, not only now but in the past years, I don't like it," he says.
"In recent weeks, months, and even years, I have seen the image of FIFA deteriorate and 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."
His compatriot, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, issued a statement supporting Figo's candidacy.
"I believe in his character and determination, as well as his passion for the game. He will be a president focused on football and its general improvement, acting closely with all federations," Mourinho says.
Since retiring Fijo has represented charitable causes and built a reputation as a multilingual ambassador for the sport.
Meanwhile Italian-Dutch football agent Mino Raiola says he is dropping plans to run for the presidency in the wake of the decision by Michael van Praag to enter, saying he is a good candidate.
