Portuguese former footballer Luís Figo, in the running for the FIFA presidency, said today that if Sepp Blatter keeps the top job, this would mean 'four lost years.'
Figo said that nearly every football boss he meets says that change is needed but he still is not sure if football federations will turn against Blatter at the end of May when he may well be elected for the fifth time.
Despite clear evidence of corruption, the 79-year-old FIFA president remains the favourite candidate.
Luís Figo, the current FIFA vice president Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein and the head of the Dutch football federation van Praag are standing against Blatter due to the controversy surrounding the award of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar.
"If nothing happens, it is going to be like losing four years of trying to modernise, trying to have more transparency because things will continue the same," said Figo.
"I am saying this to all the people I see in meetings and the feedback is positive.
"Most people say we think we need change, but you have to wait and see on May 29th if really they want change, or they want to continue to be managed like this," added the 42-year-old former Real Madrid and Barcelona player.
Figo has promised that there will be more transparency at FIFA, greater participation for national associations in decision making and a 40 country World Cup.
The Dutchman van Praag aims to cut costs and increase democracy. The 67-year-old former boss of Ajax said he would only stand for a single four year term.
Blatter has backing in Africa and Asia where his corrupt practices have found receptive participants but never has he been challenged by three such sound and experienced potential leaders.
"Sometimes you are afraid of change and the most important thing is to try to convince people that change is not a big deal," said Figo who is financing his own challenge.
