(CNN) -- Champagne, Pele and FIFA. It sounds just like another soiree for those who run international football. Yet it's fundamentally different this time for the Champagne in question is a certain Jerome, the 55-year-old who launched his campaign to dethrone FIFA president Sepp Blatter on Monday. Once one of Blatter's closest allies following his work as FIFA's deputy Secretary General between 2002 and 2005, the former diplomat is now eying the top job itself ahead of the presidential elections in June 2015. He is the first candidate to throw his hat into the ring, although both Blatter and UEFA president Michel Platini are also expected to stand -- albeit without declaring their intentions yet.
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Jerome Champagne launches bid for FIFA presidency
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Frenchman is former FIFA deputy Secretary General
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Ran Sepp Blatter's successful 2002 reelection campaign
"I cannot stay away from a debate which is so important for the future of football and thus, I support @placeholder and his vision," the 73-year-old said in a video message.