Russia, Fergie back Infantino for FIFA presidency

Gianni Infantino has won the backing of Russia for the election for the FIFA presidency. Infantino is one of five candidates standing to succeed Sepp Blatter and the endorsement of Russia, which is hosting the 2018 World Cup and has considerable influence in Eastern Europe, is significant.

The 45-year-old UEFA general secretary entered the race when UEFA president Michel Platini was forced to withdraw. Infantino has been in his current position at the governing body since 2009 and has managed to assemble an impressive list of supporters.

The Russia football federation announced its backing for Infantino, saying in a statement: “He will be able to unite the football family.” Infantino has been picking up support from around the game, including CONMEBOL, the seven Central American federations, France and Germany.

Also, former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would also like to see Infantino win the election, following in the footsteps of Jose Mourinho and the Scot’s former Old Trafford colleague David Gill, who is now the FA’s vice-chairman. Ferguson said: “In my role as ambassador to UEFA over the last few years I’ve got to know Gianni very well. I think he’s got good professionalism, discipline, organisational ability and knowledge of the game and I wish him every success in his quest to be a FIFA president.”

Asian football leader Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Prince Ali Bin Hussein of Jordan, Frenchman Jerome Champagne and South Africa’s Tokyo Sexwale are also running for president. The election will take place on Feb. 26.