Brazil legend and potential FIFA presidential candidate Zico has insisted “big changes” are required after the corruption investigation into the governing body was expanded and believed only an experienced football figure can clean up the mess.
Zico, 62, is widely considered as one of the most skilful technicians in history and came eighth in 1999’s FIFA Player of the Century vote.
The FC Goa coach has turned his attention to the race to succeed controversial outgoing FIFA boss Sepp Blatter, who announced he would resign in the aftermath of May’s indictments of 14 officials and sports marketing executives on racketeering charges involving more than $150 million.
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Speaking at Dubai Sports City after US attorney general Loretta Lynch revealed more charges are being considered and fresh arrests likely, the iconic playmaker – who became his nat-ion’s first sports minister in 1990 – expressed disgust at the current situation.
He said: “I am very upset about this. We need big changes in FIFA, because the people who work in football do not govern it. I am 62, but as an adult I have only seen three presidents – Stanley Rous, Joao Havelange and Sepp Blatter. None of them played football. Havelange was from swimming and what can I say about Blatter?
“You need to play or live football. It could be anyone who has participated as a president, manager, player or doctor. It can be anyone but they must have worked in football.”
Blatter announced in June his 17-year stay in power will end once a replacement is elected, which will be on February 26, 2016.
Nominations for the post need to be made before October 26, a minimum of five endorsements from national football associations
required to be eligible.
UEFA president Michel Platini and Jordan’s Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein are confirmed candidates, while former FIFA executive Chung Mong-joon of South Korea and Liberian Football Association president Musa Bility have indicated they will run
“The most difficult thing is to get five associations to back me,” said Zico, who scored 48 goals in 71 Brazil caps. “I need four, because the Confederacao Brasileira de Futebol (Brazilian Football Confederation) has given me their support. The most difficult thing is to find these five federations to be a candidate.
“When the AFC chooses a name, everyone follows them. When CONMEBOL chooses one name, everyone follow them etc. This is the big problem.”
Zico was speaking at Dubai Sports City, home of the ICC Academy, Spanish Soccer Schools and The Els Club. Visit www.dsc.ae for info.