Hyundai Scion to Declare FIFA Presidency Bid in Paris

Chung Mong-joon, the Hyundai scion, politician and honorary president of the Korea Football Association, will officially declare his candidacy for the FIFA presidency in Paris on Aug. 17.

"FIFA has 111 years of history, and when it was founded its first headquarters were in Paris," Chung told reporters here Thursday. "I'm going to meet a number of influential figures in football around Europe, the center of the football world, and declare my candidacy there."

Chung added that he views Michel Platini, president of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), and himself as strong candidates.

The election takes place at FIFA headquarters in Zurich on Feb. 26 next year.

Platini, and Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona have already announced their candidacy. Jordan's Prince Ali bin Hussein, who lost the last election to disgraced incumbent Sepp Blatter, is also likely to run again.

Blatter resigned just five days after he won his fifth term on June 3 after the U.S. and Swiss authorities embarked on a massive corruption investigation, but insists he needs to stay in office for another six months to ensure a smooth transition.