According to the first face of world chess - the head of FIDE Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, - considering the option of his candidature for the presidency of FIFA, whose election is scheduled for February 26, 2016, he planned to visit about 90 countries.
- I was ready for the nomination, but I had time to get to know me. There are 209 countries in FIFA. To win needed 51% - a 105 countries. I won 15 elections since 1990, I am not new. I started with Latin America. First arrived in Nicaragua. I met with President Daniel Ortega. He warmly supported me.
But at the end of October, when there was the official nomination of candidates, I was in Zurich. Some days there was, talking to knowledgeable people. I felt that there is a very big game behind the scenes.
- Not your party played out?
- No. And to be a scapegoat in this situation, I did not want to. But I am preparing for the next election anyway. Do not rule out the possibility of participating in life is FIFA.