Milla's fellow-countryman Issa Hayatou will challenge Sepp Blatter for the leadership of world football on 29 May in Seoul, South Korea.

He said: "It's hard for us who are already friends of Blatter, it's not going to be easy to leave Blatter just like that to support an African, even if he's my brother.

"I look at the man and he's a kind and correct man who has done a lot of things for Africa," said Milla, African Footballer of the Year in 1976 and 1990.

Hayatou has been banking on widespread support from Africa in his battle to dethrone Blatter.

He claims the backing of major African federations such as South Africa, Nigeria and Egypt.

The continent's player of the century added: "All Africans have great regard for Hayatou, they support him and not only is he a friend but he's also my compatriot."

Milla played for Cameroon in three World Cups and was the oldest player in any finals at the age of 42 in 1994.