Damiano Tommasi, President of the Italian players’ union, the AIC, wants an ex-player for the next FIFA President.
Current chief Sepp Blatter is stepping down as head of world football’s governing body, as the organisation is engulfed by scandal.
“I read that [Luis] Figo, Zico or [Michel] Platini might apply,” Tommasi told reporters.
“It would be an important signal if a former player were to become the next FIFA President. It would mean that the sporting side of things would take centre stage again.
Damiano Tommasi, President of the Italian players’ union, the AIC, wants an ex-player for the next FIFA President.
Current chief Sepp Blatter is stepping down as head of world football’s governing body, as the organisation is engulfed by scandal.
“I read that [Luis] Figo, Zico or [Michel] Platini might apply,” Tommasi told reporters.
“It would be an important signal if a former player were to become the next FIFA President. It would mean that the sporting side of things would take centre stage again.
“For those who have dedicated their lives to the sport, it comes naturally to them to continue to do that after they retire.
“Football offers a wide range of roles, so not everyone thinks about a career as a Coach or in their Federation, so it would be nice if that could happen more frequently.
“It would see things done the way they should be, those coming from playing football at a high level would have more of a focus on the sporting side, rather than business at all costs.
“Those who have played the sport with passion and sacrifice, things which you need to improve, won’t be carried away by positions of power, and will try to give precedence to football matters.
“Sometimes there are those who only want to get other benefits out of sport, who have never practiced any discipline and haven’t had to live with the see-saw of sporting results.
“I’m not saying that these people can’t approach things in the right way, I’m not saying that someone who is not a former champion couldn’t do good.
“But I think a sporting figure could improve things, it would be a good sign.”