The race to become the next FIFA president officially began July 20, when the man who is relinquishing the post, Sepp Blatter, announced that a special election to name his successor would be held in February. A week later, the question of who will replace Mr. Blatter, FIFA’s leader since 1998, finally has some possible answers.
Michel Platini, the head of European soccer’s confederation, UEFA, will announce as early as this week that he will run for what many believe is the most powerful position in international sports, according to two soccer officials who have been briefed on his campaign.