FIFA: Champagne enters race for FIFA presidency

Jerome Champagne has officially announced his bid to become the next FIFA president ahead of the February 26 election. 

The former FIFA international relations director failed to receive nominations for the previous election in May, but intends to join the running once again. 

The new leader will replace Sepp Blatter, who is currently serving a 90-day suspension after criminal proceedings were opened against him in relation to an alleged "disloyal" £1.3m payment made to UEFA president Michel Platini in 2011. 

Champagne released a summary of his bid, stating: "The events of the past few months have renewed my determination to be a candidate. At a time when FIFA, our FIFA, needs more than ever an open debate about its future, its reform and the reform of football, we are witnessing the first months of the electoral campaign being dominated by controversy and deals made behind closed doors. 

"At a time when football, our football, is suffering along with our planet and society from the increasing level of inequalities, we have to assert the need to better control the globalization of our sport. "We must continue the efforts to improve the spectacle of elite football and, at the same time, reduce the inequalities for the benefit of everyone." 

Candidates have until Monday to submit their bids for the presidency.