Figo withdraws from FIFA Presidency race

Prince Ali will be Sepp Blatter's sole rival after the
former Portugal star joined Michael van Praag in
announcing he will no longer stand
Luis Figo has pulled out of the race to be named
Fifa president, leaving Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein as
the sole candidate against Sepp Blatter.
The former Portugal international had intended to
stand against incumbent Sepp Blatter along with
Prince Ali and Michael van Praag.
Van Praag withdrew his candidacy earlier on
Thursday in order to lend his support to Prince Ali
and revealed Luis Figo had also been
contemplating whether or not to pull out.
And Figo has now released a statement to confirm
he will not stand for the post, taking a stunning
swipe at the election process.
"Over the past few months I have not only
witnessed that desire [for change], I have
witnessed consecutive incidents, all over the world,
that should shame anyone who desires soccer to
be free, clean and democratic," his statement
reads.
"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.
"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. My
decision is made, I will not stand in what is being
called an election for the Fifa presidency.
"I offer my deepest thanks to all those who have
supported me and I ask them to keep alive their
desire for a regeneration which, though it may take
some time, will come."