Luis Figo calls for World Cup sin bins and old offside rule in Fifa presidency manifesto release

Fifa presidential candidate Luis Figo would consider expanding the World Cup and the introduction of sin bins in football if elected in May.

Figo, one of three candidates looking to replace Sepp Blatter as the head of world football's governing body, released his manifesto on Thursday at Wembley which included radical changes to the world game.

His biggest proposal centred on increasing the number of teams competing in the World Cup from 32 to 48 and staging two 24-team competitions at the same time on two different continents, concluding in a knock-out phase held in a single country.

"Both these options are feasible with an extra three to four days of tournament play," said Figo, who received the backing of his former Real Madrid teammate David Beckham and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho this week.

"If this expansion were to take place I believe that additional teams should come from non-European nations," said Figo.

"We not only make sure that we include more countries from across the world, but also enable Fifa to raise significant increased revenues that can be used to invest in the growth of the game globally."

Figo has also proposed further use of technology in football and is pushing for the implementation of sin bins for players deemed guilty of "unsporting behaviour towards referees".

The former Portuguese international is also keen for the offside ruled to revert back to its old format, which saw an offending player flagged regardless of whether they are active or not.

The manifesto also proposed the end of the 'triple punishment' of a penalty, red card and a suspension for a player guilty of committing a professional foul inside their area.

The 2001 Fifa World Player of the Year also wants to see half of Fifa's $2.5bn revenue over a four-year period set aside specifically for the development of grass roots football.

Figo's mandate carried the underlining message of restoring Fifa's damaged reputation and ensuring world football's governing body is once again a credible and transparent organisation.

"In the recent months and even years, I have seen the image of Fifa deteriorate," Figo said. "I speak to many people in football -- players, managers and association presidents -- and they have told me something has to be changed.

"I agree with them and this is why I want to become Fifa president. I'm not the kind of man who sits aside and refuses to act. I want a new style of leadership of Fifa that can restore transparency, cooperation and solidarity.

"In my manifesto I have outlined clearly how I would seek to restore Fifa's credibility and rebuild trust in it. This will not be a quick fix, it requires fundamental changes. I'm ready to bring real changes to Fifa, changes that will bring a positive era for Fifa and every one of its member associations."