Ginola launches FIFA bid backed by bookmaker

LONDON - Former France international David Ginola launched his improbable bid to unseat FIFA President Sepp Blatter with the backing of a stunt-prone bookmaker.

Ginola pledged to be transparent and kicked off his campaign on Friday by admitting he knew little about FIFA's processes or institutions.

The former Paris-Saint Germain and Tottenham player couldn't name a member of FIFA's ruling executive committee.

He also lacks the backing of five national associations, which is required by Jan. 29 to gain a place on the May ballot. And he faces a challenge in proving he has filled a role in football for two of the last five years.

What was clear is that the 47-year-old is being paid 250,000 pounds ($380,000) by bookmaker Paddy Power, whose branding dominated the launch.