UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino enters race for FIFA presidency

UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino has announced his intention to run for the FIFA presidency ahead of next February's election.

Infantino is the right-hand man of UEFA president Michel Platini, who is expected to maintain his candidacy for the FIFA role despite being suspended for 90 days in relation to corruption allegations.

A statement from Infantino read: "I will in due course be setting out my detailed thinking in a manifesto which will address the challenges and opportunities ahead.

"It will be based on the need for ‎reform and also for a FIFA that genuinely serves the interests of all 209 national associations, big or small, and that puts football and football development at the top of its agenda.

"If elected I would lead that change in partnership with all who want to see a FIFA worthy of governing the world's number one sport with dignity and respect."

According to Sky Sports News, Infantino is likely to withdraw from the race should Platini be exonerated, but if not, the general secretary's presence means that UEFA is represented.

The deadline for applications to become Sepp Blatter's successor is 11pm tonight.