Zico will run for Fifa president as long as changes are made

Brazil legend Zico says that he is prepared to run for elections for Fifa presidency should world football's governing body change its candidate selection process.

The FC Goa boss, who arrived in India on Monday for the second season of the Indian Super League (ISL) with the franchise, had announced that he intends to stand for the vacant position of the president after Sepp Blatter said he would resign from his position at the next Fifa Extraordinary Congress.

"I think if Fifa change the way they select the candidate, I think I will go ahead. I feel I am prepared to be a candidate for the presidency and I am prepared on all the parameters if the elections happen in January,"  the 62-year-old said.

"But I must say with apologies that, if I have to participate in the elections, it will be difficult for me to come back to Goa next year."

Blatter stepped down from his post just four days after being re-elected for a fifth term and Zico is expected to stand against Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, while KNVB chief Michael van Praag could also re-enter the fight after withdrawing from the race last time.

Zico has renewed his contract as coach of FC Goa for the upcoming season of the ISL, after leading the side to the semi-finals last time around.

The Goan side have also managed to rope in World Cup-winner Lucio as their marquee player for the second edition of the showpiece league.  

Zico himself has scored 48 goals in 71 appearances for the Selecao before embarking on a coaching career in Asia, where he led Japan to the 2006 World Cup as well as winning the Asian Cup in 2004.

He also enjoyed successful stints with Fenerbahce in Turkey, Bunyodkor in Uzbekistan and CSKA Moscow in Russia among others.