Luis Figo Announces Withdrawal from FIFA Presidential Election

Legendary Portuguese icon Luis Figo has pulled out of the race to be FIFA's next president, releasing a detailed statement to the Associated Press on Thursday.   

The former Real Madrid and Barcelona star explained his reasons for his withdrawal, and he emphasised his belief the world governing body must change in the years ahead (via Yahoo Sports):

"

Running for president of FIFA resulted from a personal decision, taken after listening to many pertinent people in the realm of international soccer. I sought out the support needed for me to stand, I formally presented my candidacy, and the reactions in the soccer world were so overwhelming—both in public and in private—that I was reassured that I had made the right decision.

...

I have seen with my own eyes federation presidents who, after one day comparing FIFA leaders to the devil, then go on stage and compare those same people with Jesus Christ. Nobody told me about this. I saw it with my own eyes.

The candidates were prevented from addressing federations at congresses while one of the candidates always gave speeches on his own from the rostrum. There has not been a single public debate about each candidate's proposals.

"

Paul Gilham/Getty Images

Figo's strong comments were then capped off by his withdrawal, per the statement:

"

This (election) process is a plebiscite for the delivery of absolute power to one man—something I refuse to go along with. That is why, after a personal reflection and sharing views with two other candidates in this process, I believe that what is going to happen on May 29 in Zurich is not a normal electoral act.

And because it is not, don't count on me.

"

Paul Gilham/Getty Images

The fact that Figo has opted to turn his back on the process is both damaging and a relief to Sepp Blatter. The long-standing chief of world football will not be pleased with a high-profiled individual like Figo being so scathing of the organisation, but he will be happy the path is clear for him to continue.

Figo joins Michael van Praag on the sideline, who also pulled out of the race, per the Guardian, and the election process will surely need to be revised in future years. 

FIFA's credibility continues to wain as the governing body fails to connect with much of the footballing public and its administrations. 

However, Blatter's stranglehold on world football looks set to continue as his opponents collapse at his feet.