Calls for Count Binface to launch FIFA president bid

Fan favourite - Count Binface is being urged to launch a bid for FIFA presidency <i>(Image: Aaron Chown/PA Wire)</i>
Fan favourite - Count Binface is being urged to launch a bid for FIFA presidency (Image: Aaron Chown/PA Wire)
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Calls are growing for Count Binface to launch a bid for one of football's most powerful positions.

The satirical candidate, currently standing in the Clacton by-election, is being suggested by fans as an alternative to under-fire FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who has faced a backlash over controversial plans to sell off parts of the World Cup.

Infantino’s proposal to allow private investors to purchase a stake in FIFA’s commercial operations was met with widespread criticism, including from England and Wales, who have since withdrawn their support for his leadership.

Count Binface, the "intergalactic space warrior," has previously spoke about the state of football, pledging to 'scrap VAR' and 'referee corners properly' if ever given power.

He has now addressed the calls for him to run for FIFA president, quote-tweeting the Daily Star's coverage of the campaign with: "How many jobs are MPs allowed?"

Binface is currently contesting the Clacton by-election, which was triggered after Nigel Farage resigned as MP.

The by-election is scheduled for August 13, with 34 candidates in the race, and the full list can be read here.

Under-fire - FIFA President Gianni Infantino (Image: Eduardo Verdugo/PA Images)

Satirical campaigns are nothing new to Count Binface, who has become a familiar figure in UK politics with his tongue-in-cheek manifesto promises and distinctive appearance.

According to a Survation poll conducted for Mandate Research, Farage is leading the Clacton race with 73 per cent support, while Count Binface is in second place with 20 per cent.

When respondents were given a choice between just the two main candidates, support for Mr Farage dropped to 69 per cent, with Count Binface’s share rising to 31 per cent.

Count Binface is jokingly being put forward to take over the top job in football, but the process to become FIFA president is complex.

Nonetheless, the calls reflect public frustration with the current FIFA leadership and a desire for fresh thinking, even if only in jest.

Infantino remains under pressure despite scrapping the World Cup investment plan, with calls for a change in leadership continuing.

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