Sheikh Salman says football needs unity after FIFA election
Friday 26 February 2016 21:48, UK
Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman reacted magnanimously after failing in his bid to become president of FIFA.
Salman was seen as favourite ahead of Friday's vote in Zurich but ended up finishing second behind Gianni Infantino, the general secretary of UEFA.
Infantino secured the majority he needed after a second round of voting at the extraordinary congress in Zurich, and Sheikh Salman was among the first to approach him and offer congratulations.
And Salman later called for unity, as FIFA seeks to emerge from the corruption scandals which have engulfed the organisation in recent years.
"In these unprecedented times world football needs unity," said Sheikh Salman.
"With the FIFA reform package having been voted through today there is now real momentum for world football to reinstate its credibility.
"The new FIFA needs to become more inclusive and reflect the diversity of world football.
"I trust Gianni Infantino will provide the leadership to achieve this, as well as the rest of the reforms that are now urgently needed."
The election was held because former president Sepp Blatter resigned last year, mere days after he had been voted in to serve a fifth term.
And Blatter, who is currently contesting a six-year ban from football, has congratulated his Swiss compatriot Infantino.
"I'm happy that Gianni Infantino is president, a man from Oberwallis like me," said Blatter. "I drank some mulled wine with him at Christmas time, gave him tips."
Infantino only decided to stand when the candidacy of UEFA president Michel Platini became unviable due to his suspension from football, which he is currently fighting.
But a UEFA executive committee statement read: "Gianni Infantino has held several positions within UEFA and was a key force in implementing numerous initiatives across Europe and beyond, and we are firmly convinced that with his skills, knowledge and perseverance, he will restore the credibility of FIFA."
