Paddy Power backs David Ginola's Fifa bid

David Ginola, the model, actor, pundit and former footballer, today launches his bid to replace Sepp Blatter as Fifa president in a campaign for Paddy Power.

David Ginola: Paddy Power backs Fifa president campaign
David Ginola: Paddy Power backs Fifa president campaign

The campaign, by Lucky Generals and M&C Saatchi PR, wants to "reboot football".

, which will involve currying favour with 209 international Fifa associations.

Known as "David Copperfield" during his time at Newcastle for his ability to pull goals out of nowhere, Ginola’s campaign aims to do the same for his Fifa bid.

Blatter, the 78-year-old incumbent, has led Fifa since 1998 through a series of voting scandals, although he has been cleared of any wrongdoing by Fifa.

Ginola played at Spurs, Aston Villa and Everton before retiring in 2002.

Andy Nairn, a founder at Lucky Generals, said: "We’re incredibly proud to be part of this campaign. We set up the agency to make a difference and this bid could make a huge, positive impact on something millions of us love."

Paddy Power backs David Ginola's Fifa bid

The bid requires some additional work to be a success. Ginola must also win the backing of five Fifa member associations to second his bid by January 29. The final vote takes place on May 28.

Ginola said: "I am putting my name forward as a candidate for the presidency of Fifa and am seeking the support from fans all over the world and from their football associations to make this happen.

"I believe that I have the credentials and capability to be a strong candidate, a candidate of football fans and lovers of the game from the four corners of the world.

"The people who follow football should have a voice and a cause. My voice is theirs. My cause is theirs."   

In addition to his football experience as a player and pundit, Ginola has also worked as a model, and featured in ads for Morgan and Cerruti. 

He was also involved in the campaign to bring the 2018 World Cup to England (it went to Russia), the 2012 Olympic bid for Paris (it went to London), and the successful bid to bring the 2018 Ryder Cup to France.

A Paddy Power spokesman said: "David Ginola has the intelligence, character and capability to be president of Fifa.

"He has the prospect of becoming the first football fans’ candidate for the presidency. We are calling on fans globally to mobilise and join Team Ginola.

"We have provided the platform to ignite a football revolution and now it’s over to you to make this happen. 

"We are all football fans, we care about the game, we love football and we want a truly competitive presidential election.

"David’s candidacy will ensure this and in turn will give Fifa’s election added credibility. Join us at Team Ginola."

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