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Luis Figo was an amazing soccer player. Now, we will find out if he can be an amazing politician.
I'm delighted to announce my candidacy for the FIFA Presidency. Football has given me so much during my life & I want to give something back
— Luís Figo (@LuisFigo) January 28, 2015
Since we know very little about politics, and what we do know we base off the last season of House of Cards, we have to say that we are optimistic about Figo’s ability. He used to command the pitch, who’s to say he cannot do the same with FIFA executives?
But the truth is, as awesome as it is to see a legend such as Figo want to “give back” to the game, he really stands between zero and no chance of winning.
For those who have been living under a FIFA sized rock for the entirety of their lives, Sepp Blatter is not a man to be trifled with. He may have alienated UEFA in the past year with all of the controversy surrounding Qatar and the Garcia report, but there is little reason to believe that the rest of the footballing word — CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, CAF, AFC, OFC — will not support Blatter’s reelection.
Blatter knows this, and has not been afraid to say it. Just two days before Figo, who is Portuguese, announced his intention to run for president, Blatter called out UEFA’s “lack of courage” in challenging his reign. The timing of Figo’s announcement may be a coincidence, but we should all hope it is a sign that he is UEFA’s main man.
Even with the backing of UEFA, and assuming he can command the entire anti-Blatter vote, Figo will still need to convert many of Blatter’s long time supporters. Over the past four elections, that has proven to be impossible.
Blatter’s reign has been built on corruption and controversy. One simply doesn’t lay down a convincing argument in front of those who have benefitted and supported said corruption and controversy and change their minds. House of Cards has taught us that much.
Figo needs a miracle, but this time, it has to come from off the pitch.
