LONDON (AP) — One of Sepp Blatter’s former advisers has launched a bid to succeed his former boss as FIFA president in 2015.
Former deputy secretary general Jerome Champagne says he will seek the five required nominations to stand in the FIFA election.
The former diplomat from France unexpectedly left FIFA in 2010.
Before entering soccer, Champagne’s diplomatic postings included four years in Los Angeles as deputy consul-general. He worked as protocol chief when France hosted the 1998 World Cup, then joined FIFA soon after Blatter was elected.
Blatter had previously said this would be his final four-year term, but has hinted he could stand for a fifth term in 2015. UEFA President Michel Platini has yet to say if he will seek the post.
