AFC President Sheikh Salman to Stand for FIFA Presidency

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa of Bahrain is expected to join the election to become the next president of FIFA.

The news was confirmed by sources in Asia on Thursday evening following an emergency meeting earlier in the day by the UEFA Executive Committee and its 54 member federations to discuss the future of president Michel Platini and his own bid to become FIFA president. 

Salman’s potential bid could have an impact on Platini, as the Bahrain FA president reportedly has strong support from Europe, Asia, South America and elsewhere.

Platini may fail to pass integrity checks to run in the election and could potentially be forced to withdraw, as he is currently serving a 90-day suspension which was given to him by the FIFA Ethics Committee.

On Friday Salman was installed as the new favourite to land the top job at FIFA and replace outgoing president Sepp Blatter, ahead of Platini and Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan who confirmed his bid this week.

Sheikh Salman must formally submit his bid by the deadline of 26 October and have the backing of at least five federations to stand for election on 26 February.

He is expected to officially announce his candidacy when FIFA’s executive committee meets in Zurich next Tuesday.

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