Who can replace Sepp Blatter?

Michel Platini, Sheikh Al-Sabah and Sheikh Al Khalifa

Michel Platini, Sheikh Al-Sabah and Sheikh Al Khalifa

1. Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah
Chances: Quite good
The sports powerbroker from Kuwait already rules the roost in Olympic circles and Asian football. He has just been elected to FIFA's executive committee and if he stands could pick up old Blatter loyalists.

2. Michel Platini
Chances: Good
The 59-year-old UEFA president did not want to stand against Blatter but this now looks to be his opportunity to make his move. Strangely, his support for Qatar hosting the 2022 World Cup would help his chances rather than hinder them.

3. Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa
Chances: Good
Head of Asian football confederation and close to Al-Sabah. If he stands with Al Sabah's backing, he could prove to be an irresistible force.

4. Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein
Chances: Slim
Head of Asian football confederation and close to Al-Sabah. If he stands with Al Sabah's backing, he could prove to be an irresistible force.

5. Issa Hayatou
Chances: Slim
Ill-health and questions about his own probity means he is unlikely to stand despite being president of the powerful bloc of African football.

6. David Gill
Chances: Slim
Will take up his place as Britain's FIFA vice-president following Blatter's decision to step down but would be a huge surprise if he decided to stand for president.

7. Michael Van Praag
Chances: Remote
The Dutch FA chief stood against Blatter until pulling out of the race to back Prince Ali. He would struggle to get much support from the world outside of western Europe.

8. David Ginola
Chances: Non-existent
The 'stunt' candidate who was put up by a bookmaker to run against Blatter before failing to get a single nomination has said he will stand again. The former Newcastle and Tottenham winger is likely to suffer the same fate.