Ginola: I want Fifa top job

Former football heartthrob announces intention to run for Fifa Presidency

FORMER French international footballer David Ginola has confirmed his intention to run for the job of the most powerful man in football.

The 47-year-old, who played for Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Everton, announced his intention to run for Fifa President at a press conference in London this morning.

He asked urged individual football fans and organisations to join “Team Ginola”. His bid has the backing of pressure group ChangeFIFA and is being supported by bookmaking firm Paddy Power.

Current president Sepp Blatter, 78, has already indicated his intention to run for a fifth term but has yet to formally declare his candidacy.

Earlier this month Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan, who is a vice-president of football’s world governing body, announced he would stand; and former Fifa executive Jérôme Champagne has also said he would run.

Mr Ginola will need the backing of at least five national associations and must be able to demonstrate active involvement in football administration for at least two of the past five years if he is to be eligible.

In a video supporting his candidacy released on the teamginola.com website, Mr Ginola said: “We all know that the Fifa system isn’t working. The game needs to change, but I can’t change it on my own. I need you to stand up and change it with me.”

Photo: Screengrab / Team Ginola