Blatter’s Fifa successor to be chosen next February

Fifa today announced that the special election to choose Sepp Blatter’s successor will be held on 26 February 2016. Football's world governing body made the announcement on its Twitter account following today’s meeting of top Fifa officials in Zurich. 

British comedian Simon Brodkin threw paper money at FIFA President Sepp Blatter in Zurich on Monday. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann

Blatter had announced on 2 June, just four days after winning a fifth term as Fifa president, that he would step down. The announcement came against the backdrop of a corruption scandal that has tarred the reputation of the word football body.

So far only former Brazilian international Zico has declared himself a candidate.

But Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, who stood against Blatter in the May election, is reportedly considering running again.

However, the hot favourite to win the election, if he decides to run, could be Uefa boss Michel Platini.

The French football great has already received verbal support from four of the six regional confederations that make up Fifa.

According to reports, Platini will take a decision in the next fortnight.

Meanwhile, in a press conference following today’s Fifa meet, Blatter said that he will not stand in the new election.

The other highlight of the press conference was aninterruption by a British comedian who threw paper money in front of the Fifa president.

Simon Brodkin, who was immediately taken away by security guards, threw another bundle of notes at Blatter, saying “Here you go Sepp”.

Brodkin later tweeted a photo of himself with the message: “Excited to be at Fifa meeting Sepp Blatter to secure the #NorthKorea2026 World Cup.”