Franz Beckenbauer has voiced concerns that the upcoming presidential battle between Sepp Blatter and Mohamed Bin Hammam will split Fifa into two camps.

The Qatari, who is head of the Asian Football Confederation, announced on Friday that he would challenge Blatter to lead football's world governing body.

Beckenbauer is a Fifa executive member, but is stepping down in June.

He said: "I think this is a dangerous situation because it could split FIFA into two camps.

"One of its strengths has been its unity. It would be sad if that were to happen.

"I think it will be difficult for Bin Hammam. Blatter knows Fifa inside out and he has done a very good job until now."

Bin Hammam revealed he will double the financial support handed out to each of Fifa's 208 member associations to US$500,000.

He also announced plans to create 17 more executive committee positions on a new 41-strong "Fifa board" - currently each member receives US$100,000 a year plus handsome expenses.