LONDON, (AP):

I took a $380,000 payment from a stunt-prone bookmaker to persuade former France international David Ginola to launch an improbable bid to unseat FIFA President Sepp Blatter.

With the fee secured, Ginola started his campaign yesterday by decrying the credibility of Blatter's presidency before admitting he knew little about the governing body's processes or institutions.

The former Paris-Saint Germain and Tottenham player could not name a member of FIFA's ruling executive committee, which includes Blatter, and looked dumbfounded when asked about the International Football Association Board, which sets the rules of the game.

The 47-year-old Ginola only has until January 29 to convince five of the 209 national associations to endorse his campaign.

Even if Ginola produces the required nominations, FIFA requires proof he has filled an active role in football for two of the last five years. His most recent role as listed on the press release announcing his candidacy is as an international campaigner for England's failed bid to host the 2018 World Cup, which ended in 2010.

FIFA ethics judge Joachim Eckert in November said there were "potentially problematic facts and circumstances" surrounding England's bid.