NYON: Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has come out in support of the candidacy of Gianni Infantino in the race for the FIFA presidency.

Coming on the back of a raft of announcements from European associations Ferguson, in a video message said: “In my role as ambassador to UEFA over the last few years I’ve got to know Gianni very well.  I must say that all the help he’s given me has been without question really really valuable to me.

“I think he’s got good professionalism, discipline, organisational ability and knowledge of the game and I wish him every success in his quest to be a FIFA president.”

An appreciative Infantino expressed his gratitude for the support “from one of football’s most respected and accomplished managers.”

He added: I’m also grateful to the growing number of FIFA’s member associations and confederations that have now pledged their support to me.  I am humbled by this and in their belief that I am the right candidate to help take FIFA forward into a new era of trust, respect and renewal.”

** The five candidates for the FIFA presidency are: Prince Ali bin Al Hussein (Jordan), Jerome Champagne (France), Gianni Infantino (Switzerland, UEFA general secretary), Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa (Bahrain, AFC president) and Tokyo Sexwale (South Africa).

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