FIFA will announce the list of election candidates on Feb. 8

fIFA IOS Coins Ginola's unlikely bid for the FIFA presidency is over after the former
French international failed to receive the necessary five nominations.

The 48-year-old launched his surprise attempt to oust Sepp Blatter as head of
world soccer's ruling body under the slogan "Rebooting Football" two weeks
ago.

Ginola's campaign was exposed as little more than a publicity stunt, however,
when a bookmaking firm said they paid him 250,000 pounds ($375,700) to
stand.

"I have to conclude that having not obtained confirmation of the required
five nominations by the (Thursday) deadline that unfortunately I will not be
able to continue with my FIFA presidential candidacy," Ginola said in a
statement.

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

"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," added Ginola.

"I want to thank all those who supported me, football fans, member
associations, players and journalists. I am a stronger person for this
experience.

"I have no regrets. And the fight to put transparency, democracy and equality
at the heart of the game we love goes on," added Ginola.

FIFA will announce the list of election candidates on Feb. 8. Blatter,
bidding for his fifth term in office, and former Portugal playmaker Luis Figo
have confirmed they are standing.

Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein of Jordan, Michael van Praag of the Netherlands and
former FIFA official Jerome Champagne are also expected to submit their
nominations.