By RYAN TOLMICH

David Beckham has a preferred candidate in the upcoming FIFA presidential elections.

The former LA Galaxy star has backed Portuguese legend Luis Figo, who joined Beckham as a member of Real Madrid from 2003-05.

“I welcome the candidacy of my friend Luis for FIFA president,” Beckham told the Associated Press. “Any successful organization needs to have good people who are passionate about the game and want to do the best for fans.

“FIFA will only benefit from having a wide range of strong candidates present their visions for the game and it’s good to see people volunteer. I wish Luis and the other candidates well.”

Figo is set to run against FIFA vice president Prince Ali bin al-Hussein and Dutch football association chairman Michael van Praag, as well as incumbent president Sepp Blatter. Beckham has previously criticized the current president, calling Blatter’s suggestion that racism matters could be handled by a handshake “appalling”.

Here are some more of Tuesday evening’s news and notes:

DI MARIA RE-INJURES PELVIS IN TRAINING

Manchester United may be without Angel di Maria for this weekend’s clash with Swansea.

The Argentinian playmaker re-injured his pelvis Tuesday in training and underwent further treatment following the session, making him a question mark for this weekend’s tilt. He previously suffered through an injury in December and missed three games during the Christmas period.

Di Maria, who has scored four goals this season, would join Robin van Persie, Michael Carrick and Phil Jones amongst the injured if he were to be sidelined this weekend.

ABIDAL REJECTS BARCA JOB IN FAVOR OF OLYMPIAKOS

For Eric Abidal, charity work is truly important.

The former French defender says he has turned down a job offer from Barcelona in favor of a similar role with Olympiakos in order to maintain more free time to work with his foundation.

Barcelona had offered Abidal the choice of two positions. The former centerback could have accepted a role with Barca’s schools or one as a liaison between players and front office.

“It’s not a job where you are on call 24 hours a day,” Abidal said of his new job with the Greek club. “I recently visited one of Olympiakos’ sponsors in Switzerland and I took advantage of that trip to do some work with my foundation too. They have said that I only need to be in Athens four days a month, which is ideal for me.

“[Lionel] Messi knows the president — there’s no need for me to go and see him on his behalf — while the first option wouldn’t leave me much time to dedicate to my foundation work, whereas the Olympiakos job will.”

MOROCCO SUBMIT APPEAL OF AFCON SANCTIONS

Morocco is set to fight back against the sanctions it received for its refusal to host the African Cup of Nations.

The country’s Football Federation (FRMF) has launched an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport over the punishments, which include being banned for the next two continental tournaments as well as receiving a heavy fine.

The FRMF has called for the “annulment of the challenged decisions” while also requesting a ruling be made by the end of March. Morocco’s sanctions stem from refusing to host the African Cup of Nationas following the outbreak of Ebola.

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What do you think of Beckham’s backing of Figo? Any concerns over di Maria? What do you think of Abidal’s new gig? Expect Morocco to win the appeal?

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