Champagne submits bid for FIFA presidency

Jerome Champagne says the inequalities in FIFA must
be addressed after he confirmed he will run for the
position of president.

Former FIFA executive Jerome Champagne has formally
submitted his bid to become the next president of the
organisation.

The 57-year-old campaigned ahead of last May's election, but
ultimately withdrew his candidacy as he did not generate the
necessary backing from member associations.

Champagne - who has been outspoken in his criticism of
incumbent Sepp Blatter in the past - says the criminal
investigations launched into the FIFA president, general
secretary Jerome Valcke and a number of other officials has
renewed his determination to take the top job.

"At a time when FIFA, our FIFA, needs more than ever an open
debate about its future, its reform and the reform of football, we
are witnessing the first months of the electoral campaign being
dominated by controversy and deals made behind closed doors,"
he said in a statement.

"At a time when football, our football, is suffering along with our
planet and society from the increasing level of inequalities, we
have to assert the need to better control the globalisation of our
sport. We must continue the efforts to improve the spectacle of
elite football and, at the same time, reduce the inequalities for
the benefit of everyone.

"Above all we need to save FIFA and its role of governance and
redistribution, which is in danger at a time when they are
needed the most. We must also restore FIFA's credibility, and
prepare it for the challenges of an ever evolving world."

Champagne has pledged to introduce "the highest standards of
transparency and ethics" within world football's governing body,
whilst strengthening the development and academy systems
within the sport and elevating the status of women's football.

He has also called for three televised public debates in the build-
up to the elections next February, in order to create "a true and
open debate on the future of FIFA and through that on the future
of football."

Champagne's eight-point plan also suggests changes to
football's disciplinary system, including the introduction of an
"orange card" for temporary dismissals and modifications to the
"triple punishment" of a red card, penalty and ensuing
suspension for a last-man foul.

The former director of international reputations left FIFA in 2010,
before taking up active roles in sport in Palestine and Kosovo.