Chung Mong-joon
Former FIFA vice president Chung Mong-joon speaks during an interview with Reuters in Seoul, South Korea, July 30, 2015. Chung, one of the most influential figures in Asian football, said on Thursday he is entering the race to replace Sepp Blatter as president of the sport's world governing body. Chung, the 63-year-old billionaire scion of South Korea's Hyundai industrial conglomerate, told Reuters in an interview he would make a formal announcement next month in Europe, which he called "the centre of world football". REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji

South Korea’s Chung Mong-joon has declared his candidacy as the next Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) President, challenging Michel Platini’s campaign in succeeding controversial President Sepp Blatter. Chung, an honorary vice president of FIFA, confirmed he would formally announce his own bid next week, vowing to become more transparent and eliminate corruption within the organisation.

The 63-year-old Chung has made FIFA presidency personal after branding Platini as a product of the current FIFA system, and calling Blatter a “cannibal eating his parents” as reported by Telegraph. The former president of the South Korean football association is not convinced Platini can symbolise a new era for FIFA, calling the latter a “protégé” of Blatter.

"It will be very difficult for Mr Platini to have any meaningful reforms," Chung said, according to BBC. "Mr. Platini enjoys institutional support from the current structure of FIFA.”

Chung, who has a determination of giving FIFA a non-European leadership, also believes he has a good chance to win the election in February. The South Korean billionaire said he will not enjoy the luxury of being the head of FIFA if ever he gets elected.

Meanwhile, Platini has been the overwhelming favourite to win FIFA’s presidency in 2016. The UEFA president has gained a lot of support from other organisations including Chung’s own Asian Football Confederation.

AFC President Sheikh Salaman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa backed Platini’s decision to stand as FIFA’s next president, describing the latter as a unique candidate who would give the organisation stability and a smooth transition to normality. South American Confederation president Juan Angel Napout also has the same sentiment towards Platini’s move, calling the 60-year-old Frenchman the right person to succeed Blatter.

The 79-year-old Blatter, who has been the head of FIFA for 17 years, declared in June that he would step down from his position after current and former FIFA officials have been arrested as part of an investigation led by United States and Swiss authorities. Candidates for FIFA’s next president have until October 26 to be nominated, while the elections will be conducted February 26 next year.

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