One day left to know next FIFA president

The moment of truth has arrived.

On Friday, for the first time in 17 years, FIFA will have a president who is not named Josep Sepp Blatter. The battle lines for election have been drawn and here, Qatar Living takes a look at the five candidates in the race.

Whoever wins, and whatever decisions he make, are going to have huge implications for the global game.

So dear reader, who do you think will win the battle?

Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa (BRN)

The Bahraini royal, who heads the Asian Football Confederation, is the clear favourite. If Sheikh Salman wins, he will be the first Asian to lead FIFA. The 50-year-old has shun the spotlight and worked with quiet efficiency. His support stems mainly from the Asian and African continents.

Gianni Infantino (SUI)

The 45-year-old Swiss stepped in to replace UEFA’s former French president Michel Platini. The UEFA General Secretary is almost sure of Europe’s 53 votes. Some countries from South America’s CONMEBOL bloc and 11 backers from CONCACAF are expected to support him. A keen advocate of raising the number of World Cup teams from 32 to 40, he also speaks of sharing World Cup hosting rights.

Prince Ali bin Al Hussein (JOR)

The Jordanian had denied Blatter a first-round victory last May before stepping out of his way. But the outspoken 40-year-old has been fighting mostly a losing battle. A firebrand who has always stood for transparency and ethics, he is the youngest member in the presidential race.

Jerome Champagne (FRA)

The Frenchman worked as FIFA’s Deputy Secretary General for a long time before being forced to leave in 2010. Although he has spoken much about the need to reform, he is still viewed as a staunch Blatter aide.

The former French diplomat isn’t seen as a huge threat to the others.

Tokyo Sexwale (RSA)

The 62-year-old South African, an anti-apartheid activist and a close friend of Nelson Mandela, has his heart in the right place. But he has not succeeded in converting it into pledges for votes. Though many people expected him to withdraw, he’s yet to do so.