(CNN) Sepp Blatter has turned down the chance to face his presidential challengers in a live televised debate ahead of the FIFA election on May 29.

The 79-year-old, who is seeking a fifth term in charge of world football's governing body, was invited to take part in the debate by the BBC and Sky but decided against the idea.

Luis Figo, the former Barcelona, Real Madrid and Portugal star, Jordanian royal Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein and Dutchman Michael van Praag , the other candidates, have all endorsed the debate.

Prince Ali said he was disappointed with Blatter's decision and saw it as a missed opportunity.

"I believe that this election campaign is an opportunity for an open and mature debate about the future direction of FIFA and all four candidates have a responsibility to football to engage in this debate," he said.

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