Blatter the hot favourite for FIFA re-election

For a long time, the FIFA Presidential election has been little more than a formality with no real competitor to challenge Sepp Blatter’s dominance.

This year had seemed an altogether different story however; and moreover one of the busiest election campaigns in decades in terms of those throwing their hat into the ring. Backed by the might of Paddy Power, David Ginola was one, whilst former FIFA official Jerome Champagne is the one may have been touting as the person to emerge victorious. Another famous figure, in the form of Luis Figo, also entered the race in recent days.

Despite all of this though, William Hill’s Graham Sharpe, Media Relations Director, announced via a tweet that Blatter is 1/16 favourite to retain his position as head of FIFA. This is a position he’s held since 1988

This places him as unmistakable favourite, though the results of the election will not be officially released until May 29th. Amongst the other ‘contenders’, William Hill have placed Champagne as second favourite with odds of 12/1. It is necessary to secure the written support of five member associations, and despite the many months of campaigning and promoting his well thought out ideas it’s believed Champage may struggle to obtain these

Jordan’s Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein is another name which has been circulating in recent months though, surprisingly, he is fourth favourite at 25/1 alongside Michael van Praag of the Netherlands. Luis Figo has emerged as the third favourite at 16/1

Despite Blatter currently holding firm as out and out favourite, four months is a long time in football and things could yet change. This is despite the fact that, for now at least, the two many touted as the most likely to dethrone Blatter are not in the running; President of UEFA Michel Platini, and President of CONCACAF, Jeffrey Webb

Platini has openly called for Blatter not to run again, he said: “I think the image of FIFA is very, very, very bad, and that is why he must stop.

He added: “After five terms it’s time to have some fresh air and make room for someone else.”

After opting not to run himself, and stating he will not support Blatter, Platini has also stated his belief that another European candidate, such as Champagne, would have very little chance of winning.