UEFA best man Gianni Infantino today won the majority of votes of key FIFA delegates to become the body’s President for the next few years.
Infantino is FIFA President elect
Infantino beat off competition from Salman and two others to emerge winner in a poll that failed to get a desired winner after initial voting.
The UEFA general secretary won the election with 115 votes, with Sheikh Salman receiving 88 votes.
Prince Ali received four votes and no votes were recorded for Jerome Champagne.
MEDIA RELEASE: Gianni Infantino elected FIFA President – https://t.co/TCQwChAkjZ pic.twitter.com/KiUnmXAgGr— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) February 26, 2016
In his victory speech, Infantino said: “I told you I went through a journey, an exceptional journey and a journey which made me meet many fantastic people.
“Many people who love football and believe in football, and many people who deserve FIFA to be respected.
“We will restore the respect people have in FIFA and everybody will applaud us, and they will applaud all of you for what you do.
“We have to be proud of what we do for FIFA. I would like to thank all of you and all of the other candidates.
Africa’s only candidates in the race Sexwale pulled out before today’s elections.
With today’s elections out of the way, it remains to be seen what becomes of the governing football body that has been rocked in recent times with corruption claims.
Today’s elections crowned months of active campaigning, which saw the contenders including Infantino comb key blocs to campaign for votes.
GIANNI INFANTINO MANIFESTO
40-team World Cup shared between co-hosts
Give back 50% of revenues to members
Publish salaries of FIFA executives
12-year term limits for Presidents
Legends team to travel the world
While FIFA officials are quick to assure stakeholders of how reformed it is currently in terms of fighting graft, there are doubts the canker may ever exit its corridors.
In the next four years ahead, Infantino and his team of executives have a difficult task of winning back the confidence of the global football-loving community.