Diego Maradona plans run for FIFA presidency

Argentina's soccer legend Diego Maradona gestures as he hosts his television show 'De Zurda' in Caracas March 1, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

CARACAS, Venezuela - A journalist close to Diego Maradona says the retired soccer star has told him he plans to run for president of FIFA.

Journalist Victor Hugo Morales says on Twitter that the Argentine soccer legend has confirmed he's a candidate.

Morales hosts a show on the regional network Telesur.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter announced this month that he would be stepping down - four days after being elected for a fifth, four-year presidential term - amid a U.S. probe into $150 million in bribes allegedly paid to top soccer officials.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro immediately called for Maradona to replace him.

Maradona has been a high-profile supporter of Venezuela's socialist government and a sharp critic of corruption in soccer.