ST. JOHN'S, ANTINGUA - World football star Pele endorsed the candidacy of UEFA President Lennart Johansson to become the next leader of world governing body FIFA. The Brazilian visited Saturday to give his backing to Johansson, who made an official presentation here at the 21st confederation of north, central american and caribbean association football (CONCACAF) congress. Pele said his longstanding relationship with Johansson and the need for a change in the direction of the world's most popular sport were among his reasons for the supporting the UEFA head.

His (Johansson) programme and vision for the future is something we need, Pele said. Now is the moment for a change and Mr. Johansson has proved in UEFA he can bring about this change. I think he is the man we must respect for this change for the good the sport. (AFP)