Gianni Infantino to withdraw from FIFA president race if Michel Platini stands

Gianni Infantino has confirmed that he will withdraw from the race to become FIFA president should Michel Platini be allowed to stand for election.

Platini is currently under investigation over a payment made to him by outgoing president Sepp Blatter, with both having been handed 90-day bans from football's governing body despite denying any wrongdoing.

Infantino is one of seven candidates in the running to replace Blatter in February's election, but insists that he will not stand in direct opposition to Platini.

"My candidacy is not in opposition to Michel. If he is able to stand, I will withdraw. It's a simple principle of loyalty," he is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

"But right now I am a candidate 100% and I'm moving forward, not only for Europe but for world football."

Infantino has hinted that he would look to increase the World Cup from 32 teams to 40 should he be elected.