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Former Brazil star Zico wants to run for FIFA president

Former Brazil soccer star Zico listens to questions during a news conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, June 10, 2015. Zico wants to run for the presidency of FIFA, even though he believes the odds are stacked against him being elected. (AP Photo/Luiz Lopes)
Former Brazil soccer star Zico listens to questions during a news conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, June 10, 2015. Zico wants to run for the presidency of FIFA, even though he believes the odds are stacked against him being elected. (AP Photo/Luiz Lopes)

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) – Former Brazil star Zico wants to run for the presidency of FIFA, even though he believes the odds are stacked against him being elected.

The 62-year-old former playmaker said Wednesday that “there’s a possibility now for change.”

FIFA President Sepp Blatter announced his resignation last week, amid separate investigations by the U.S. and Swiss authorities into alleged bribery and corruption involving the 2010, 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

“I would like to confirm this decision about the possibility of being a candidate in the next FIFA election,” Zico told a news conference in his native Rio de Janeiro. “I feel capable of this.”

But he added: “Of course, changes in the rules of the game would be necessary. Mainly because, with the rules in place now there isn’t the slightest possibility (of being elected).”