Former FIFA international relations director Jerome Champagne has confirmed his plan to challenge President Sepp Blatter in next year's election.

Champagne has declined to criticize Blatter publicly, and has joined his former boss in questioning the role of wealthy European football clubs and their governing body UEFA, whose president Michel Platini last month decided not to run in the FIFA election.

"My sincerest wish from the outset has been to present my candidacy with a desire for fair and transparent debate," Champagne wrote on Monday, 

The decision on the FIFA President will be made on May 29th 2015.