Luis Figo has joined Michael van Praag in dropping out of the running to become next FIFA president.
Dutch soccer federation chief Van Praag revealed earlier today that he had withdrawn from the race to oust Sepp Blatter at the top table of football's world governing body.
Figo has now also stepped aside, as widely expected, to leave just Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan to challenge Blatter, who is seeking a fifth term as president.
"I travelled and met extraordinary people who, though they recognized the value of much that had been done, also concurred with the need for change, one that cleans up FIFA's reputation as an obscure organization that is so often viewed as a place of corruption," the Portuguese said in a statement.
"But over the past few months I have not only witnessed that desire [for change], I have witnessed consecutive incidents, all over the world, that should shame anyone who desires soccer to be free, clean and democratic.
"I have seen with my own eyes federation presidents who, after one day comparing FIFA leaders to the devil, then go on stage and compare those same people with Jesus Christ. Nobody told me about this. I saw it with my own eyes."
Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder David Ginola withdrew from the running in January, just a fortnight after announcing his intention to stand.
The presidential election takes place on May 29.
Daniel Lewis
