Sheikh Salman is a Bahraini royal, heading the Asian Football Confederation. He entered the race on deadline day in October to become the elections favourite, backed by Asia and Africa, which have 100 of the 209 federations. The odds on his win are as low as 1.30.
Gianni Infantino entered the elections after the UEFA president Platini had been suspended. UEFA turned to Platini’s right hand and now Infantino has second-best chances to win the elections. However, he’s far behind Salman with 3.50 odds.
Prince Ali is the Jordanian federation president and is known for his abolishing of the ban on wearing the hijab for women’s teams in official matches. William Hill estimates his chances at 10.00.
Jerome Champagne is a former French diplomat who became a consultant in international football, serving as an executive at FIFA from 1999 to 2010. He seems to be loyal to Blatter’s regime. Anyway, his chances are considered as the lowest at 67.00.
Mosima Gabriel Sexwale is a South African businessman, politician and anti-apartheid activist. He’s being realistic about his chances and many of the rumors are assuming him to withdraw from the elections. He’s not the last of the list but his chances seem unrealistic (34.00).
A two-thirds majority of 138 is required to win in the first round of voting. If that target is not met, a simple majority of over 50 percent — 104 — is necessary from the second round. The lowest-ranked candidate is eliminated from subsequent rounds.
The first elected FIFA president was Stanley Ross. He got his seat in 1961 and was unseated by Joao Havelange in 1974. After 24 years of Havelange presidency, Blatter finally came into office.