Sheikh Salman al-Khalifa to stand for FIFA presidency

Sheikh Salman al-Khalifa, the president of the Asian Football Confederation, is to stand for the FIFA presidency, according to reports.

The Bahraini is thought to be planning to announce his candidacy either over the weekend or before Tuesday's emergency meeting of the FIFA executive committee in Zurich.

According to The Guardian, Sheikh Salman's candidacy, which comes after consultation with European, Asian and South American nations, emerged after European countries stopped short of supporting Michel Platini's bid for the FIFA presidency.

Until now, Sheik Salman had been a key supporter of Platini, urging Asian national associations to support the Frenchman, who has been suspended and was questioned last week regarding concerns over a £1.35m payment made to him by outgoing FIFA boss Sepp Blatter.