Zico urges FIFA to change election rules

RIO DE JANEIRO - Former Brazil great Zico on Tuesday urged world football's governing body FIFA to change its presidential election rules.

The 62-year-old, who plans to run for FIFA's top job at an election in February, met with outgoing president Sepp Blatter in Zurich on Tuesday.

His bid has been stymied by a FIFA rule stipulating that candidates must receive support from at least five national federations.

So far backed only by Brazil, Zico has until October 26 to be endorsed by four other federations.

"It's absurd," Zico was quoted saying by Brazilian portal Globoesporte.

"I have been involved in football for 45 years as a player and manager across several continents and I still need formal support from five national federations. They each face pressure from their own confederations and as such won't support me."

Zico said he has sent letters to several federations, adding Brazil was the only one to respond.

The Flamengo idol was critical of UEFA president Michel Platini, who is expected to be a candidate for the vacant position.

"He is part of FIFA's structure, a member of the executive committee," Zico said. "I don't believe that he will be the one that makes changes to the organization."

Zico, who is currently coaching Indian Super League outfit FC Goa, revealed his desire to run for FIFA's presidency in June, just days after Blatter announced his resignation amid a corruption scandal engulfing the entity.