Who really are the contenders for the position?
With the Fifa President election to take place in May this year, and with David Ginola out of the running but Luis Figo making a shock entry, we take a more detailed look at the candidates.
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Sepp Blatter
Pros: An expert when it comes to the politics of football, and following the shambles of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup has promised great reforms and modernisation of Fifa.
Cons: Blatter’s unpopularity is damaging to the entire reputation of the world governing football body, and as long as he remains President his reputation could continue to damage Fifa.
Luis Figo
Pros: A popular superstar figure in the sport, Figo has also become a respected football administrator for his work on UEFA’s Football Committee and has impressive contacts for his involvement in football business across the globe.
Has already secured the backing of the five necessary national associations and is highly-regarded in Africa and Asia.
Cons: Inexperienced – thus the position of Fifa President could be out of his depth.
Jerome Champagne
Pros: Fifa’s deputy secretary general for 11 years, personal adviser to Blatter and campaign manager for his 2002 presidential victory – Champagne knows the drill – and importantly has maintained a solid reputation as a trustworthy figure.
Cons: His existing relationship with Fifa means the 56-year-old is viewed with skepticism as a result of his connections to the current system of government.
Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein
Pros: A candidate of ‘impeccable pedigree and connections‘, the Jordanian prince is FIFA’s vice-president for Asia, president of the self-founded West Asian Football Federation, vice president of the Asian Football Confederation and head of his country’s FA.
Cons: While Prince Ali’s contacts and experience is unprecedented, he lacks support from his own Asian federation.
Michael van Praag
Pros: The Dutch FA President is labelled as a key individual that could modernise Fifa and is an outspoken critic of Blatter, with the backing of Belgium, Sweden, Scotland, Romania, the Faroe Islands and the Netherlands.
Cons: van Pragg may have inadvertently assisted Blatter in retaining the title; the Dutchman’s decision to stand has split the anti-Blatter vote.