Former Portuguese international pulls of out FIFA presidency race

Ex Portuguese international  Luis Figo has announced that he will be pulling out of the FIFA Presidential elections  later in the month.

The football great announced his withdrawal through a  statement to where he implied that one man, Sepp Blatter has complete control over the electoral process.

Figo in his statement said he appreciated the support he garnered during his campaign and revealed that he sensed the need for change by people in football world.

"The realm of a sport which gave me everything to become what I am, and to which I now offered to give something back, is hungry for change. FIFA needs change and I feel that the change is urgent," Figo stated in a statement.

"Guided by that wish, by the formal support I collected, and by the incredible wave of support from soccer players, former players, coaches, referees and administrators, I imagined and presented a plan of action - my election manifesto for the FIFA presidency.

"I traveled and met extraordinary people who, though they recognized the value of much that had been done, also concurred with the need for change, one that cleans up FIFA's reputation as an obscure organization that is so often viewed as a place of corruption."

Figo also revealed that during his campaigns, he encountered hypocrisy among federation presidents around the world, and that people who wanted to speak out had been silenced.

"But 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," Figo said.

"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."

Figo also went on to question the refusal of the Sepp Blatter to engage in a debate with other aspirarants.

"Does anyone think it's normal that an election for one of the most relevant organizations on the planet can go ahead without a public debate?" Figo asked.

" Does anyone think it's normal that one of the candidates doesn't even bother to present an election manifesto that can be voted on May 29? Shouldn't it be mandatory to present such a manifesto so that federation presidents know what they're voting for?"

Figo went on to insinuate that the upcoming elections will not be a free and fair one.

"I do not fear the ballot box, but I will not go along with nor will I give my consent to a process which will end on May 29 and from which soccer will not emerge the winner.

"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."