Alex Ferguson has endorsed his preferred candidate for FIFA president

The battle to become FIFA president is all a bit of a mess right now.

Since the race began to replace Sepp Blatter, more than half a dozen candidates have expressed an interest. But since the Swiss was suspended last year, three of the contenders have already been removed from the running. Now, with just five remaining, Alex Ferguson has had his say on who should take the reins. Ferguson has given his backing to Gianni Infantino, the UEFA General Secretary who many fans this side of the English Channel will know best for his role in Champions League and Europa League draws and (more recently) his proposals to shake up the World Cup. He is up against FIFA Vice President Prince Ali Al Hussein, AFC President Salman Bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, South African businessman Tokyo Sexwale and former FIFA exec Jerome Champagne. "I think he’s got good professionalism, discipline, organisational ability and knowledge of the game and I wish him every success in his quest to be a FIFA president," the former Manchester United manager said of Infantino. No word yet on whether - if the 45-year-old is successful - Sir Alex will say, "Your job now is to stand by the new president."