Porto, March 26 (IANS): Portugal's Secretary of State for Sports has hailed FIFA presidential candidate Luis Figo, saying there are an increasing number of Portuguese in the decision-making board.

"It is a very positive candidacy for Portugal. We are talking of a Portuguese who is applying for one of the most important positions in the football world. We expect things to go well," Emidio Guerreiro said on Wednesday, reports Xinhua.

"It is a way to demonstrate our qualities and our competency. Yesterday Fernando Gomes was elected to the UEFA executive committee. I hope Luis Figo can too in FIFA."

The 42-year-old former Real Madrid star and Barcelona forward Figo is hoping to challenge incumbent FIFA President Sepp Blatter who is likely to win a fifth term in the May elections. Figo is also standing against FIFA Vice-President Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein and Dutch federation chief Michael van Praag.

Figo was voted World Player of the Year twice and scored 32 goals for Portugal in 127 matches.

The FIFA presidential elections will take place in Zurich on May 29.