Jerome Champagne Launches FIFA Presidential Bid

One of Sepp Blatter's former advisers has launched a bid to succeed his former boss as FIFA president in 2015.

Former deputy secretary general Jerome Champagne said Monday that he will seek the five required nominations to stand in the FIFA election.

"We need a different FIFA, more democratic, more respected, which behaves better and which does more," said Champagne, a former diplomat from France who unexpectedly left FIFA in 2010 after 11 years of service.

Blatter has previously said this would be his final four-year term, but has hinted he could stand for a fifth term in 2015. Champagne wouldn't say if he would withdraw from the election if Blatter stays.

UEFA President Michel Platini has yet to say if he will seek the post.

Before entering football, Champagne's diplomatic postings included four years in Los Angeles as deputy consul-general. He worked as protocol chief when France hosted the 1998 World Cup, then joined FIFA soon after Blatter was elected.

Troubled relations with confederations were reportedly a factor in Champagne leaving FIFA in January 2010.

As international relations director, Champagne's work was acclaimed but reportedly angered some confederation presidents.