Ginola denies Fifa presidency bid is a stunt

David Ginola has unveiled an ambitious plan to run for Fifa president, but was immediately forced to deny accusations it was simply a publicity stunt.

Ginola wants to replace Sepp Blatter after criticising the current regime, and has asked for the backing of the world's football fans to raise the necessary €3 million for him to stand for election.

But his lack of understanding of football politics and inability to name a single member of the Fifa Executive Committee was quickly jumped upon at his launch press conference, in which he admitted he was being paid over €300,000 by betting company Paddy Power in order to run.

"I'm standing because I love football," said Ginola in a promotional video on his official website.

"Whether you are on the pitch or on the terraces, we all know that the Fifa system isn't working. The game needs to change.

However, when quizzed by representatives of the world's media, the former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham star admitted he has yet to raise the backing of five football associations - a minimum requirement for all potential candidates which must be met by the ballot deadline of January 29.

Ginola hung up his boots in 2002 following a career that started at Toulon and also took in the likes of Newcastle, Aston Villa and Everton.

Since retiring, the former PFA Player of the Year has tried his hand at acting and also produces his own award-winning wine.

Jerome Champagne and Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein have already announced their candidacies for the next elections, while Blatter - the incumbent since 1998 - has also confirmed his decision to run for a fifth term.