FIFA
presidential candidate Luis Figo on Wednesday disputed the Confederation
of African Football's claim that all 54 votes from the continent will
go to incumbent Sepp Blatter in the presidential elections next month.
The former Portugal international, in Egypt at the CAF Congress to
canvass for votes, told Reuters he did not believe all Africa was
solidly behind Blatter, who seeks re-election on May 29 against Figo,
Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan and the Dutch football association
president Michael van Praag.
"I feel there's a lot of respect
for CAF among all the African federations but I'm positive that (CAF
president) Mr (Issa) Hayatou did not speak in the name of the 54 members
of the confederation," said the former Barcelona and Real Madrid
midfielder.
"Even when he (Hayatou) announced he would support
Blatter, we could notice a difference from past congresses when a
statement like that normally is followed by a standing ovation.
"This time we heard just a normal applause, which confirms my idea that
a lot of African countries understand and agree with the need to change
for the better of everyone, especially the national associations.
"In fact there were federation presidents who ensured me they would
vote for me but they were reluctant to saying this out loud because they
feared reactions against them, their federations and even their
countries," said Figo.
"It also to end this kind of atmosphere
that I decided to be a candidate. Football should be about a beautiful
game and people should be able to express themselves freely and openly."
The CAF congress in Cairo ended on Tuesday with Hayatou
declaring Africa's complete support for Blatter's re-election but on all
previous occasions when the CAF chief has promised a block of African
votes, many have broken ranks.
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