FIFA Presidential Election: Latest Details, Comments on Potential Candidates

Sepp Blatter categorically confirmed on July 20 he will not seek re-election as FIFA president, and it has since been revealed FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke will follow him through the exit door.

Blatter indicated at the start of June his intention to step down from the post once the organisation could hold an extraordinary congress to find his replacement. His decision came amid investigations into corruption within FIFA.

The world football governing body has now confirmed a presidential election will be held early next year.

Liberia Football Association chairman Musa Bility and Brazil legend Zico are confirmed candidates for the vacant role. Diego Maradona has also reportedly signalled his intention to stand, and UEFA president Michel Platini is now being supported as a candidate.

Continue for updates.

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February Date Earmarked for FIFA Presidential Election, Valcke to Step Down

Friday, July 24

An official FIFA statement announced Feb. 26, 2016 as the date for an extraordinary elective FIFA congress, to take place in Zurich.

Valcke will "leave (his) position as FIFA secretary general" once the election has taken place, according to Sky Sports News. 

News of Valcke's departure follows Blatter's recent clarification that he will indeed stand down, per Richard Conway of BBC Sport on July 20.

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Platini Backed to Succeed Blatter

Monday, July 20

"UEFA boss Michel Platini has been asked by a majority of world football chiefs to stand for the FIFA presidency," Conway of BBC Sport reported. "Platini is said to have had assurances of support from his own confederation, Asia, South America, plus North and Central America and the Caribbean."

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Maradona Intends to Run for FIFA President as Candidates Line Up

Monday, June 22

When Blatter eventually departs, he will have no shortage of individuals keen to take his seat.

"[Maradona] told me he was going to run for president of FIFA and authorised me to inform," said Uruguayan journalist Victor Hugo Morales, as reported by Reuters (h/t Yahoo). "'I am a candidate' were the two words Diego Maradona used to answer me when I consulted him about the nomination for the presidency of FIFA."

BBC Sport reported Brazil legend Zico's candidacy on June 10, while David Ginola also plans to participate in the election, according to an earlier tweet from the same outlet.

UEFA president Platini is listed as one of the top potential candidates if Blatter leaves. The European governing body's leader was one of the main voices demanding Blatter either resign or for other nations to vote for Prince Ali bin al-Hussein in the prior election.

Prince Ali received enough support to force a second round of voting but opted against continuing the process, allowing Blatter to win another term prior to his decision to step down.

Luis Figo would also be firmly in the mix if he decides to run. Jack Lang of the Daily Mirror noted on June 2 the former Barcelona and Real Madrid midfielder wouldn't confirm his candidacy but did celebrate the chance for FIFA to move forward when Blatter departs.