David Ginola would be the perfect fit for FIFA presidency role

David Ginola caused shockwaves by announcing he plans to stand for the FIFA Presidency.

It has taken me some time to get my head around that. But the more I think about it, the more I’m convinced he’d be perfect for the position.

As a footballer the Frenchman was a real showman. It was all about entertainment and style with him, and FIFA badly lack charisma and personality at the top. David would change that.

I’ve managed to get to know him quite well in recent years, and he is great company and one of the most passionate football people I’ve ever met.

He is extremely serious when it comes to football. He has his own ideas on how the game should be played and, to be honest, I always expected him to move into either management or coaching.

But perhaps he is perfectly suited to the role as FIFA President. When he talks, people listen. Just as important, he is just as happy listening as talking.

He’s a bright boy and he would energise the Association. He’ll obviously need to fit the criteria and gain the backing of at least five football associations, so we’ll need to see how that works out.

One thing worth noting, though, is he is extremely friendly with his countryman and UEFA President, Michel Platini.

I wouldn’t be surprised if he has given David a slight nudge to run for the position. And with the possible influence of someone as powerful as that behind him, that might just give the former winger a real chance at this.

Swapping Blatter for Ginola would be going from one extreme to another. But is that really a bad thing? I certainly don’t think so.

I’m most definitely no fan of Blatter. I think he’s a cowboy. And it’s scandalous that he is attempting to stand for a FIFTH consecutive term.

He has held the position since 1998, so surely it is time to allow someone with fresh ideas and a more modern approach to things to take FIFA forward.

I’ve always been in favour of former footballers trying to take up such positions and play a part in the development of the game.

I’d rather listen to a football person than a suit.