Former professional footballer David Ginola has announced his intention to run against Sepp Blatter in the race to become president of FIFA, world soccer's governing body.
David Ginola - FIFA president? —
Former professional footballer David Ginola has announced his intention to run against Sepp Blatter in the race to become president of FIFA, world soccer's governing body.
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Blatter has been president of FIFA since 1998 and announced his intention to stand for another four-year term last year, backtracking on his previous promise that he would step down in 2015.
David Ginola - FIFA president? —
Blatter has been president of FIFA since 1998 and announced his intention to stand for another four-year term last year, backtracking on his previous promise that he would step down in 2015.
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The Swiss has had to fend off allegations of corruption relating to the bidding process for the 2018 World Cup, awarded to Russia, and the 2022 installment, given to Qatar. U.S. lawyer Michael Garcia was enlisted to investigate but quit his role after objecting to the way his report had been summarized by Hans-Joachim Eckert -- the organization's independent ethics adjudicator.
David Ginola - FIFA president? —
The Swiss has had to fend off allegations of corruption relating to the bidding process for the 2018 World Cup, awarded to Russia, and the 2022 installment, given to Qatar. U.S. lawyer Michael Garcia was enlisted to investigate but quit his role after objecting to the way his report had been summarized by Hans-Joachim Eckert -- the organization's independent ethics adjudicator.
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Blatter, who was elected unopposed in 2011, also faces competition from Prince Ali of Jordan and independent candidate Jerome Champagne though he enjoys huge popularity among the majority of FIFA's 209 members. UEFA president Michel Platini has called on Blatter to stand down but the president maintains his "mission is not finished."
David Ginola - FIFA president? —
Blatter, who was elected unopposed in 2011, also faces competition from Prince Ali of Jordan and independent candidate Jerome Champagne though he enjoys huge popularity among the majority of FIFA's 209 members. UEFA president Michel Platini has called on Blatter to stand down but the president maintains his "mission is not finished."
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Jerome Champagne spent 11 years with FIFA employing his diplomatic skills in the footballing arena as director of international relations from 1999 to 2010 before announcing his intention to run. But both he, Ginola and Prince Ali face an uphill battle. Even after Prince declared his candidacy, the Asian Football Confederation, of which he is vice-president, confirmed its intention to support Blatter.
David Ginola - FIFA president? —
Jerome Champagne spent 11 years with FIFA employing his diplomatic skills in the footballing arena as director of international relations from 1999 to 2010 before announcing his intention to run. But both he, Ginola and Prince Ali face an uphill battle. Even after Prince declared his candidacy, the Asian Football Confederation, of which he is vice-president, confirmed its intention to support Blatter.
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Ginola became famous for his enigmatic style of football, and for his larger than life personality throughout a 17-year playing career. He says he wants to "reboot football" and build trust within FIFA.
David Ginola - FIFA president? —
Ginola became famous for his enigmatic style of football, and for his larger than life personality throughout a 17-year playing career. He says he wants to "reboot football" and build trust within FIFA.
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After a successful spell at Paris Saint-Germain, Ginola signed for English Premier League club Newcastle United in 1995, and enjoyed a fine first season under Kevin Keegan. With the help of his creative, flamboyant style, the club came close to winning a first league title since 1927. Its attacking brand of football saw the team dubbed "The Entertainers."
David Ginola - FIFA president? —
After a successful spell at Paris Saint-Germain, Ginola signed for English Premier League club Newcastle United in 1995, and enjoyed a fine first season under Kevin Keegan. With the help of his creative, flamboyant style, the club came close to winning a first league title since 1927. Its attacking brand of football saw the team dubbed "The Entertainers."
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Ginola was as famous for his looks as he was for his prowess on the field, going to appear in coffee and shampoo commercials. During the launch of his bid for the presidency he repeated his famous "I'm worth it" line after a glitzy montage showcasing his prowess as a player.
David Ginola - FIFA president? —
Ginola was as famous for his looks as he was for his prowess on the field, going to appear in coffee and shampoo commercials. During the launch of his bid for the presidency he repeated his famous "I'm worth it" line after a glitzy montage showcasing his prowess as a player.
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Ginola swapped Newcastle for Tottenham in 1997 and was crowned Player of the Year in 1999, the same year he won his only trophy in England -- the League Cup. He scored some memorable goals in white, most notably a fine solo strike in the FA Cup against Barnsley.
David Ginola - FIFA president? —
Ginola swapped Newcastle for Tottenham in 1997 and was crowned Player of the Year in 1999, the same year he won his only trophy in England -- the League Cup. He scored some memorable goals in white, most notably a fine solo strike in the FA Cup against Barnsley.
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Spells at Aston Villa and Everton followed before Ginola called it a day in 2002. He has since worked as a pundit on French and UK television and had a stint as an ambassador in England's failed bid for the 2018 World Cup. Now he has set his sights on football's top job.
David Ginola - FIFA president? —
Spells at Aston Villa and Everton followed before Ginola called it a day in 2002. He has since worked as a pundit on French and UK television and had a stint as an ambassador in England's failed bid for the 2018 World Cup. Now he has set his sights on football's top job.