Figo's view contradicts a statement made on Tuesday by Confederation of Africa Football president Issa Hayatou at his body's congress in Cairo, who (Hayatou) said all its members would vote for Blatter in the 29 May election.
"I'm positive that Mr Hayatou did not speak in the name of the 54 members of the confederation," countered Figo. He added, even when he 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. 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."Figo, 42, former Portugal international is one of three challengers to the 79-year-old Blatter, who is seeking his fifth term in office. Fifa vice-president Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan and Dutch Football Association chairman Michael van Praag are also running against the Swiss.
Source: BBC Sport
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