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UEFA General secretary Gianni Infantino has submitted his candidature for FIFA presidential race hours before the deadline, BBC reports. The European football governing body backed their general secretary as a candidate for the election.
UEFA’s chief, Michel Platini had submitted his bid for the presidential election as well, but, he is banned from football for 90 days due to corruption charges. His ban will get over just 6 days before the election takes place, provided Fifa's Ethics Committee do not extend the ban by another 45 days.
Infantino’s candidature was confirmed by UEFA on it’s official website by a statement, which read, “UEFA's executive committee has today unanimously agreed to support Gianni Infantino as a candidate for the forthcoming FIFA presidential election, following consultation within Europe and with national federations from across the global football community."
The executive committee further added, “The forthcoming election for a new FIFA president represents a crucial moment in the governance of the game and the future of FIFA itself. We believe Gianni Infantino has all the qualities required to tackle the major challenges ahead and to lead the organisation on a path of reform to restore FIFA's integrity and credibility.”
"He has been a long-time advocate of the need for change and renewed development at FIFA, and would bring a refreshing and informed voice to the top table of football's world governing body."
The Swiss confirmed his candidature as per ESPN by saying, “I can confirm that following the decision of the UEFA executive committee, I have today submitted my candidature, with the required declarations of support, to become the next FIFA president.”
"I will in due course be setting out my detailed thinking in a manifesto which will address the challenges and opportunities ahead. It will be based on the need for reform and also for a FIFA that genuinely serves the interests of all 209 national associations, big or small, and that puts football and football development at the top of its agenda."
Eight bids have been submitted for the FIFA President’s job. The names of the candidates are, Tokyo Sexwale, Prince Ali, Jerome Champagne, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Michel Platini, Gianni Infantino, David Nakhid and Musa Bility. Though, the world football governing body is yet to release an official list.
The real question is though, if Infantino does become president of FIFA, who will host the UEFA draws?
