FIFA presidential candidates to replace Sepp Blatter

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Within minutes of FIFA president Sepp Blatter resigning Tuesday as the leader of football's ruling body, the race to succeed him had started. According to FIFA rules, all potential candidates must have played an active role in football for at least two years and have the backing of at least five member associations. Blatter acknowledged Tuesday that FIFA needs an "overhaul," and here we take a look at just who might be the person to do it.

 

Issa Hayatou :

 

The president of the Confederation of African Football stood against Blatter in 2002 for the FIFA presidency, but in recent years has become a part of Blatter's inner circle. In fact, the Cameroonian has been accused of running a Blatter-like regime within his own continent and is unlikely to be po[CENSORED]r among the nations that led the campaign against Blatter. The 79-year-old has built a formidable power base within CAF and could well fancy his chances of becoming the first black president of FIFA, but his past involvement in corruption scandals will count against him. He'll have to do a lot of convincing that he has what it takes to clean up the world governing body. Odds: 14-1

 

 

Michel Platini :

 

UEFA's president has said in the past that he does not want to be FIFA president, but that was probably because he did not want to take on Blatter and face the embarrassment of losing. With his former mentor out of the way, the Frenchman might take the challenge of reforming world football's governing body. Experienced in the murky world of football politics, Platini is a smart operator and will be the number one choice for many. With the bulk of smaller football nations (most of whom backed Blatter) fearful of UEFA dominance in FIFA, the big question is will Platini be able to assure them that he also has their interests at heart? Odds: 6-5 

 

 

Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein :

 

The leading challenger to Blatter fought a valiant campaign and did well to secure 73 votes in last Friday's presidential election in Zurich. Despite no longer being a FIFA vice president and vowing to walk away from the organisation if he lost, he is still involved in football administration through the West Asian Football Federation. This makes him eligible to stand. Well-connected, he is highly regarded throughout the world game and is seen as a clean and safe pair of hands. Even some of those who did not vote for him privately said how impressed they were with his ideas for making FIFA a more transparent and accountable organisation. He charmed the world football family during his campaign and would be a po[CENSORED]r choice if he was to throw his hat into the ring once more. Odds: 7-4 Prince Ali came closest to Blatter in Friday's elections and would certainly do well if he chose to run again.

 

 

Luis Figo :

 

The former FIFA World Player of the Year may like the idea of returning to run the organisation that bestowed him the honour. Figo stepped down as a candidate just a week before Friday's election, deciding to throw his lot behind Prince Ali. However, during an impressive campaign, he demonstrated all of the attributes required to become a global football administrator. His was the most comprehensive manifesto of any of the candidates and given his reputation, he was well-received wherever he went. Despite his po[CENSORED]rity, he may not have the experience yet to become FIFA president. Figo is certainly one for the [CENSORED]ure, and this election, when it happens, may come a little too early for the former Barcelona, Real Madrid and Portugal striker. Odds: 6-1