Political squabbles, back-stabbing begins for FIFA presidency

The election to appoint a new head of football's world governing body will take place on February 26, 2016.

UEFA president Michel Platini is the clear front-runner and has backing from many within the game, including the Football Association. He is also believed to have secured promises of support from key voices in Asia, North America and South America.

The 60-year-old's record while a FIFA executive is certain to come under increased scrutiny in the weeks and months ahead. But given the enmity that exists between Blatter and Platini it was a slight surprise that the 79-year-old Swiss resisted an opportunity to question the Frenchman's suitability for the top job.

"Don't ask the president who is elected to make a comment on the race to the presidency," Blatter said. "Let them go. Whoever. I don't mind. It is the congress who will decide, not me." That laissez-faire approach contrasts sharply with an interview Blatter gave to Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant earlier in August in which he said there was an anti-FIFA virus in Nyon (the Swiss town where Europe's governing body is based).

He also outlined in that interview how Platini had "changed" over the years and how the Frenchman had tried to "sideline" him at key events. It's no secret the two men are professionally opposed to one another despite Platini, in his early years within football politics, being seen as a protege to Blatter.

FIFA insiders speak of how Blatter is still determined, despite his on-camera reticence, to stop Platini seizing the FIFA crown. However, alleged attempts to engage in negative spin against the man, who has led UEFA since 2007, have been amateurish thus far.

Earlier this month a document entitled "Platini: Skeletons In The Closet" was circulated to one or more German language newspapers. It outlines Platini's past, his support for the Qatar 2022 World Cup and overall paints an unflattering portrait of his suitability to be FIFA president.

David Nakhid, the former captain of Trinidad and Tobago, has stated he intends to run as a candidate in the election. Nakhid came to Europe in 1988 to play for Grasshoppers Zurich. It's reported that opportunity came about following a recommendation from Walter Gagg, a FIFA director and a close friend to Blatter.

It should be noted that there is no clear evidence of Blatter backing Nakhid thus far. But there is now an increasing belief among senior football figures that the Trinidadian will receive the five national association nominations required under electoral rules to be declared a valid candidate. It has left many within world football questioning whether a man with such a low-profile, who has no experience in football politics, is now Blatter's preferred successor.

Notably, the 51-year-old has stepped up his comments against Platini in recent days. "Platini has been positioning himself as a reformer, but how can that be?" he said in an interview with The Associated Press. "Those who are vying for the post should be scrutinised and looked at," he added.

"How can someone claim to be free or not tainted when he has been part of the circle that has basically brought football down a sorry path?" He's not alone in questioning Platini's credentials. South Korea's Chung Mong-joon believes the Frenchman is unsuitable for the job. His campaign is continuing on despite reports he is set to face disciplinary action from FIFA ethics committee.

But who else will run? South Africa's Tokyo Sexwale, a former prisoner in Apartheid-era South Africa, is still deliberating whether to stand but, as a formidable public speaker, would be a fascinating addition to the list of candidates.

-(bbcsport)