In an interview with daily Cameroon Tribune, Hayatou said it was the ideal moment for him to run against FIFA president Sepp Blatter as he had the support of Europe and most African and Asian soccer federations.

'I have the support of the major African federations. South Africa, Nigeria and Egypt have officially backed me,' Hayatou was quoted as saying.

'Not to mention the federation in my own country, Fecafoot, and the other federations who have assured me of their support. All in all, I'm counting on 45 African federations,' he said.

Hayatou announced his decision to challenge Blatter last Saturday. The elections will be held at the FIFA Congress in Seoul on May 29, two days before the opening game of the World Cup between holders France and Senegal.

Hayatou, the first African to run for the post, said he had been encouraged by many federations in Europe and Asia to stand because of the 'crisis of confidence' FIFA is currently experiencing.

The ruling body's financial situation has been under scrutiny since the collapse last year of its long-term marketing agent ISL-ISM, and it has been dogged by political in-fighting.

'People have been asking me to go for this post for six years,' Hayatou said. 'If I hadn't gone for it this year I would have had to kiss it goodbye. Later I would no longer have all the trump cards I hold now, that's to say the support of Europe and a good part of Africa and Asia.'

'I really think it's the right time, otherwise no one would believe in me any more.'

Ten African countries who deserted Hayatou for Blatter in the race for the FIFA presidency four years ago have pledged their support for the Cameroonian.

The CAF president regretted that some African countries -- he cited Zimbabwe, Liberia and Mauritania -- were reluctant to back him, though he said he was still hopeful they might change their minds.

Besides the CAF headquarters in Cairo, Hayatou plans to set up other campaign offices in Cameroon's capital Yaounde and Paris.