Figo confirmed as one of the three candidates to contest Blatter in FIFA presidential race

Luis Figo greets current FIFA President Sepp Blatter in an event

Zurich, Feb 2 (IANS) Three candidates are set to contest against Sepp Blatter for the post of FIFA president after the withdrawal of Frenchman Jerome Champagne.

Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein of Jordan, former Portuguese football international Luis Figo and Dutch sports director Michael van Praag have been confirmed as the candidates who will battle it out against Blatter for football's top job, reports bbc.com.

Champagne failed to garner enough support in his bid to unseat the 78-year-old.

"The institutions have mobilised to eliminate the only independent candidate," claimed the 56-year-old.

If Blatter wins again it will be for a record fifth time. The candidates had to secure the backing of five national football associations with Champagne receiving the support of only three.