Former France winger David Ginola’s bid for the FIFA presidency ended Friday after he failed to receive the required five nominations from football associations needed to continue his bid.
“Contrary to some reports, I did not withdraw. Just as I did as a player, I gave everything until the final whistle,” said the former Tottenham, Newcastle and PSG player.
“Today I have mixed emotions. There is disappointment, anger, but there is also hope. I’m very proud of my campaign and the policies I proposed to reform football.”
FIFA boss Sepp Blatter will now face opposition in his bid for re-election from former Portugal and Real Madrid winger Luis Figo, Dutch football boss Michael Van Praag, Asian Football Confederation vice-president Prince Ali bin Al Hussein and ex-FIFA executive Jerome Champagne.
The election will take place in Zurich on May 29.
Ginola had announced Thursday that his team would refund donations from his supporters.
His campaign website, Team Ginola, was taken down and replaced with a statement that read: “A huge thank you for supporting Team Ginola. The crowdfunding page is now closed.
“All donations will be returned to those that have pledged. The campaign for change goes on.”
