FIFA elections: Figo confident of defeating Blatter

Luis Figo said he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of “surprises” in his FIFA presidential bid.
The 42-year-old Portuguese former Barcelona and Real Madrid winger is in Dubai this week for the inaugural Icons Cup, a two-day all-star charity golf tournament between Team USA and the Rest of the World at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, starting on Thursday.
The Ryder Cup-styled tournament provides some downtime to the former World Player of the Year, who is looking to depose incumbent FIFA president Sepp Blatter, and outdo fellow candidates, Prince Ali Bin Al Hussain of Jordan and Dutch FA President, Michael van Pragg, ahead of the May 29 election.
“I’m confident, but realistic,” Figo said of his election campaign. “In this process, there has been some positive surprises, some negative ones too. I think life is like that.
I’ve been travelling around. Next week, I’ll be in Bahrain at the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Congress and at the end of May we have the decision – let’s see. I’m optimistic every day, but at the same time realistic of the situation.”
Blatter, 79, has held his position for 17 years with three re-elections to date and is considered the favourite again for his strong support outside of Europe.
Figo, on the other hand, is considered an outsider for his lack of contacts among all 209 voting members.
The Portuguese will be representing the Rest of the World on the golf course, captained by European 2016 Ryder Cup captain and 2011 Open Championship winner Darren Clarke in the Icons Cup. Also on his team are fellow former footballers Robbie Fowler, Kenny Dalglish, Andriy Shevchenko and Dwight Yorke; cricketers Shane Warne, Kapil Dev and Brian Lara and rugby’s George Gregan, Brian O’Driscoll and Mike Tindall.