Gianni Infantino: Key questions the new Fifa President has to answer

Ifantino is close to disgraced former Uefa president Michel Platini

(Getty Images)

Q: What does the result mean for the future of Fifa?

A: Some suggested none of the five candidates would do enough to transform Fifa, but many believe Sheikh Salman bore the most similarity to the disgraced Sepp Blatter. It is Infantino, though, who is from Switzerland, like Blatter.

Q: So it's the status quo, then?

A: Not quite. Infantino, the face of draws for Uefa competitions, insists he is not a politician but a football man, putting the game first. He promised to share the wealth, more than doubling football development grants to the 209 member associations.

Q: Isn't there some controversy around him?

A: Well, he stepped into the presidential race only after Uefa president Michel Platini was banned from all football-related activity. The pair remain close and it is that relationship which has been scrutinised.

Q: How will he convince us it's not "same old Fifa"?

A: He must see that the reforms are implemented and that any hint of the corrupt practices which prompted the worst crisis in Fifa's112-year history is swiftly stamped out. He must help the United States and Swiss law enforcement agencies in their investigations into the practices of FIFA's past.

Q: How significant are the reforms adopted?

A: The separation of powers and the day-to-day commercial operations had to happen. Greater independence and more roles for women were necessary, too. Some argue the reforms vote should have been postponed as they did not go far enough.

Q: Is there cause for optimism for the future of football?

A: Yes, but, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Scot Alasdair Bell, Uefa legal director, said the Fifa reforms should pass: "Otherwise the future looks less than certain for the institution". The same applies if the reforms are not implemented in full.

Q: What does it mean for the home nations and Ireland?

A: The Football Association, led by chairman Greg Dyke, backed Infantino publicly. So did the Scottish FA, while the Welsh, Northern Irish and Republic of Ireland also supported the Uefa candidate. All could benefit from his idea of an expanded World Cup, but the feasibility of a 40-year tournament has already been downplayed.

Q: How long will Infantino be around?

A: Gone are the days of Jules Rimet's 33-year leadership, Joao Havelange's 24 years in charge, or even Blatter's 17. Infantino will complete the four-year term for which Blatter was elected last May, which runs until 2019. The reforms mean he can serve a maximum of three four-year terms. Those terms do not have to be consecutive, though.

PA