German Football Federation (DFB) president Theo Zwanziger yesterday put his name forward as a candidate to succeed Franz Beckenbauer on FIFA’s executive committee.

The 65-year-old Beckenbauer is standing down as he wants to spend more time with his family.

In a statement Zwanziger, also 65, declared: “Our declared objective must be that our interests will be defended at the heart of the most important committee in world football. That’s why I will be a candidate.”

Zwanziger, who was reelected as DFB chief for a third term of office last month, has informed FIFA president Sepp Blatter and UEFA chief Michel Platini of his intention to stand in the election which will be held t UEFA’s 35th Congress in Paris on May 22.

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