ESPN invites FIFA presidential candidates to take part in live TV debate

ESPN has invited the five candidates to succeed Sepp Blatter as FIFA president to take part in a live television debate.

Prince Ali, Sheikh Salman, Tokyo Sexwale, Gianni Infantino and Jerome Champagne have all met FIFA's requirements for entry and will go head to head in February 26's election.

An ESPN statement said: "Our goal is to provide a forum for open, transparent discussion about the future governance of the sport in advance of the election that will determine who occupies the most powerful position in global football."

Champagne told SportingIntelligence.com that he was keen to take part.

He said: "I can tell you that ESPN proposed to the candidates a televised debate in London on January 29 and I have already expressed my agreement."

Previous plans for a debate before the 2015 presidential election in May fell through when Blatter, who was recently banned from football for eight years over a seven-figure payment made to UEFA president Michel Platini, declined to participate.

Platini was also banned for eight years and both men have said that they will appeal the suspensions.