Gianni Infantino vows to repair FIFA's damaged repuation

Gianni Infantino insists he's the only FIFA presidential candidate that can reform world football's governing body

UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino has promised to repair FIFA's damaged reputation if he is elected president on Friday.

Infantino is hoping to succeed disgraced former president Sepp Blatter after the 79-year-old Swiss was banned for eight years over corruption allegations.

The 45-year-old will vie for the presidency alongside Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan, the French former FIFA executive Jerome Champagne and the South African Tokyo Sexwale.

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Infantino accepts FIFA's reputation is at an all-time low after the corruption scandal which has crippled the organisation but he says he is the man to put that right if elected on Friday.

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"I think today everyone realises FIFA has come to a point where real change is needed," Infantino said.

Image: Infantino says he understands that reform is needed at FIFA

"I think FIFA and all 209 federations know what is best for FIFA, they know the situation, that know the reputation of FIFA is at a very, very, very low point.

"They know that a vote for me will bring back the reputation of FIFA to govern world football.

"I am very confident because first of all I'm a positive person, especially because I have spent four months around the world speaking with presidents and associations.

"I have met 150 presidents and visited 70 countries so I have been on the spot to see how they organise football and what they need. This has helped me shape my manifesto to the needs of nations.

"And that is why the 209 federations, when they see the different proposals I put on the table, they will vote for me."

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