Figo backs new FIFA boss to clean up its tattered image

Barcelona and Real Madrid legend Lius Figo today expressed hope that newly elected FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, will clean up the image of the corruption-hit world body during his tenure.
"I have my hope in Gianni because he is the person that I support. He was one of the persons that helped me and supported me in the moment that I was a (presidential) candidate," said Figo at the launch of a new franchise-based initiative - Premier Futsal - to be held in July in eight cities in India.
"Basically we share ideas with what the organisation needs to do to get back the credibility that an organisation running global football should have. So I have my hopes that can change everything," added the 43-year-old former Portugal player who had pulled out of the presidential race midway.

Figo said he did not have the details of fresh allegations surfacing vis-a-vis FIFA via the 'Panama Papers' revelations.
"I just saw it on CNN, but haven't seen any kind of names. I saw there was something regarding FIFA and the Chinese government, but I'm not really clear about who and what happened," said Figo who is the president of the Futsal initiative in the country.
"I can't say anything from that. They just have to investigate. When there is some clear news and proof, we can talk about it. Like we say, till you are proven guilty, you should have the benefit of innocence. In the last few days there has been a lot of information about it but we have to wait and see what is going to happen," he added when asked about allegations in the 'Panama Papers' against Michel Platini and Lionel Messi, two huge names in football.

Asked about the eight marquee players in Premier Futsal, to be held from July 15-24, Figo advised patience.
"That is a secret of business (laughter). We don't want to announce everything in one day. Not that we don't have news to give you.
"I hope it will be a success. That is our idea," he said.