Tokyo Sexwale wants to repair FIFA: 'I am more than ready to take on the world'

Tokyo Sexwale is convinced that he can fix FIFA.

Speaking at a news conference Tuesday, Sexwale, who was a close friend of Nelson Mandela and spent 13 years as a prisoner on Robben Island alongside the late president of South Africa, confirmed that he is running for the FIFA presidency and declared his intention to mend football's "undermined" governing body.

Related: South African businessman Tokyo Sexwale says he will run for FIFA president

"Having spent time inside FIFA, I am more than ready to take on the world," Sexwale said, according to the Guardian. "I think it was a vote of confidence by people who I can only say understand who I am and what I will be able to bring to football. FIFA, the organisation of the beautiful game, is damaged. The brand is severely undermined."

Sexwale holds an abundance of experience when it comes to politics and football, making him something of an ideal candidate in an election loaded with competitors whose hands are far from clean.

Here's a brief summary of Sexwale's past:

• Member of the ruling African National Congress party
• Post-apartheid government minister
• Member of FIFA's anti-discrimination task force
• Conducted talks between the Palestinian and Israeli federations
• Member of the bid team, organising committee for the 2010 World Cup

Africa is FIFA's best-represented continent, with 56 members, and Sexwale said after the news conference that he plans to travel to Cairo and seek the support of the Confederation of African Football.