Brazilian icon Zico could quit the race for FIFA's presidential elections early, as he's struggling to gain enough support to become an official candidate.
Zico is one of many candidates vying to replace current FIFA head Sepp Blatter. But Zico concedes he's having trouble finding the five nominations needed from member countries in order to actually run in the election.
The former Japanese head coach told Sky Sports News HQ the nomination system is "unfair," adding, "It will be very difficult for mostly everyone but especially someone outside the highest status of world football to stand.
"That's simply not fair. That is something that needs changing."
Related: Brazilian legend Zico reveals plans for FIFA presidency
Like many of the nominees, Zico's platform is focused on reform. He met with Blatter in Zurich and asked to have the rules for nomination relaxed, but his request was turned down. As such, Zico's presidential candidacy may be over before it really ever began.
"We all agree that FIFA needs to evolve into a much better organization, particularly in matters of democracy and transparency," Zico said in an email sent to fellow presidential hopefuls Michel Platini, Musa Bility, Chung Moon-joon, and David Nakhid at the start of September.
UEFA president Platini is the favourite to win the presidency, with the French icon saying he wants to stamp out political ties within FIFA if elected.