At a packed London news conference he confirmed his plans to stand for the most influential job in soccer, with a programme of reform aimed at limiting the influence of the richer sections of the game.
However, after outlining details of his policy ideas and setting the ball rolling for a potential 15-month campaign, he was left stalled on the grid when he admitted he would probably not beat Blatter and might not even stand should his former boss attempt to hold on to power.
Asked if he could beat Blatter, who hinted last week that he would stand again, Champagne said: "No I don't think so, he's someone of relevance. I don't know whether Mr Blatter will run or not. Of course as a matter of politeness I informed him what I was planning to do."
Blatter, who turns 78 in March, may well bid for a fifth term of office while there could also be a challenge by UEFA president Michel Platini for the role second only to the presidency of the International Olympic Committee in global sporting importance.