By Andrew Warshaw
January 21 – Gianni Infantino has been given a boost ahead of UEFA’s two-day executive committee meeting that began today by receiving the backing of the German FA in his bid to become FIFA president.
With Europe’s unanimous support for Infantino by no means certain, the UEFA general secretary can at least count on the Continent’s biggest association, with DFB vice president Reinhard Rauball (pictured) describing him as “the best candidate” to succeed Sepp Blatter at elections on February 26.
“The representatives of amateur and professional football in Germany have followed the recommendation of the DFB’s vice-president, who will head the German delegation at the election congress on February 26 in Zurich,” said a statement by the German FA.
Rauball himself added: “Gianni Infantino is the Europeans’ candidate and the best one. Through his work as general secretary of UEFA he knows all aspects of the game, has outstanding international connections and speaks six languages.”
“With his reputation and experience he meets the necessary conditions for structural changes and to take on the challenges ahead.”
Portugal has also expressed its support for Infantino. Whilst there is no clear favourite, he needs to capture the majority of the 53 European votes to stand a realistic chance amidst increasing whispers that he may not have matters all his own way.
An equally pressing issue for UEFA as its top brass meet in Switzerland today and tomorrow is to find a solution to its own leadership crisis following Michel Platini’s ban. Although not on the agenda, the issue seems almost certain to be discussed by exco members, with a full congress of federations scheduled for the day before the FIFA presidential ballot.
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