The head of Asian Football Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa is expected to formally declare his candidacy for the FIFA presidency this weekend or early next week. Salman had previously supported UEFA head Michel Platini to be FIFA's next president.

Fox Sports reported that the Sheik was dismayed by the suspension of Platini due to ethics violation. He has reportedly lost confidence in Platini and is now intent on joining the presidential race.

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Salman's decision could jeopardize Platini's bid even as he currently faces charges of misconduct regarding the exchange of $2 million between him and FIFA chief executive Sepp Blatter.

Even Jordanian Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein's candidacy is also in peril if Salman decides to join the race for the FIFA presidency. By Thursday, the prince submitted his five nominations at the FIFA headquarters.

Meanwhile, Platini has managed to convince many association members of UEFA to retain their support for him during a recent meeting. However, several football pundits are already calling for a candidate to replace Platini such as Michek van Praag who is from Holland.

Platini's camp has been unable to explain why there was no written evidence to explain the transfer of money with Blatter. The two have been suspended from their official duties for a period of three months pending further investigation.

UEFA is now calling for quick deposition of the case and Platini's right to have a fair trial. Gianni Infantino, the general secretary of UEFA, echoed the members' sentiments that the matter should be resolved before FIFA elects a president in February next year.

In 2011, Blatter paid Platini $2 million as the latter's supposed fee for nine years of work. Swiss legal authorities are currently investigating the matter.

Platini's FIFA case will be decided by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Infantino hopes that the case will be settled by next month. The general secretary decried that Platini is being unfairly accused in public without any evidence of wrongdoing.

Infantino said that only through due process will the innocence or guilt of Platini be determined.

TagsUEFA, Asian Football Chief, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Michel Paltini, Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, Michek Van Praag, sepp blatter, fifa president, FIFA presidential race