“This time we cheap fifa coins heard just a normal applause, which confirms my idea that a lot of African countries understand and agree with the need to change for the better of everyone, especially the national associations.

“In fact, there were federation presidents who assured me [that] they would vote for me but they were reluctant to say this out loud, because they feared reactions against them, their federations and even their countries.

“It is also to end this kind of atmosphere that I decided to be a candidate. Football should be about a beautiful game and people should be able to express themselves freely and openly.”

Figo is one of three rival candidates opposing Blatter next month: Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan and the Dutch football association president Michael van Praag are the others.