Ginola bows out of FIFA presidency race

Former French winger David Ginola announced that his bid for the FIFA presidency was over as he failed to receive the required five nominations from football associations that was needed to continue his campaign as a candidate.

The 48-year-old's website for the bid was taken down and replaced with a statement Friday night that read: "A huge thank you for supporting Team Ginola. The crowdfunding page is now closed."

"Contrary to some reports, I did not withdraw. Just as I did as a player, I gave everything until the final whistle," Ginola said, reports Xinhua.

"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 from former Portugal and Real Madrid winger Luis Figo, Asian Football Confederation vice-president Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, Dutch football boss Michael Van Praag and ex-FIFA executive Jerome Champagne.

The election will take place in FIFA headquarters in Zurich May 29.