David Beckham Comments on Luis Figo's FIFA Presidential Bid

David Beckham has spoken out in support of former team-mate Luis Figo's bid to take over as the next president of FIFA.  

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star midfielder said in a statement to the Associated Press he approves of Figo's bid to replace Sepp Blatter, highlighting that FIFA needs individuals who are "passionate" about the sport:

"

I welcome the candidacy of my friend Luis [Figo] for FIFA president. Any successful organisation needs to have good people who are passionate about the game and want to do the best for fans.

FIFA will only benefit from having a wide range of strong candidates present their visions for the game and it's good to see people volunteer. I wish Luis and the other candidates well.

"

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Figo took to social media to thank the 39-year-old for his support and approval:

Figo is in a three-way fight to challenge for the presidency, with Prince Ali bin al-Hussein and Michael van Praag, the chairman of the Royal Dutch Football Association, also candidates.

Prince Ali is currently one of FIFA's vice presidents and Figo's most likely contender.

Blatter is seeking his fifth election as head of the organisation but has been hugely criticised in the past by many quarters, including Beckham, who condemned his stance on racism in football in 2011, per the Associated Press.

Figo has no experience governing an organisation as big as FIFA, but he is an iconic figurehead who would be universally respected.

Blatter has been out of touch with many in the football community for so long, and at 78 years old it is time he moved aside so the sport can progress.