Champagne enters FIFA race

Former French diplomat Jerome Champagne on Friday officially entered the running to succeed Sepp Blatter as president of football's scandal-hit governing body FIFA.

"I have submitted my candidacy and have the support of five member states (of FIFA)," the 57-year-old Champagne told AFP.

The former deputy general secretary of FIFA is the fourth official candidate for the election, which is scheduled to take place on February 26.

His confirmed rivals are UEFA chief Michel Platini, Prince Ali bin al Hussein of Jordan and former Trinidad and Tobago captain David Nahkid.

The election to replace Blatter, who has been FIFA president since 1998 and who is standing down, comes at a time of crisis within world football's governing body.

Prosecutors are investigating top FIFA officials, including Blatter and Platini as part of a wide-ranging clampdown on fraud and corruption at the heart of the Zurich-based organization.