Next FIFA President: Eight-year ban emphatically ends Platini's bid

Gianni Infantino has been left flying the flag for UEFA in the Next FIFA President betting after UEFA president Michel Platini was wiped out of contention once and for all by an eight-year ban from all football-related activities, a punishment shared by outgoing FIFA chief Sepp Blatter.

The two most powerful men in football were investigated by the governing body's ethics committee over a £1.3 million payment made by Blatter to Platini in 2011, which they explain as being delayed remuneration for work conducted by the latter as the former's technical adviser between 1998 and 2002.

The committee concluded that it was a "disloyal payment" which had no legal basis in the original agreement that the pair struck at the start of their since-severely-fractured working relationship. Though it was not proven to be a bribe, it was determined that a "conflict of interest" had occurred.

Both men have protested their innocence and aired their intention to appeal. Blatter vowed to "fight for me and for FIFA". Platini was even fiercer, describing the procedure as "a pure masquerade". He said: "It has been rigged to tarnish my name by bodies I know well and who for me are bereft of all credibility or legitimacy."

However, neither will be cleared in time to significantly influence the upcoming election on February 26, the result of which is that Prince Ali Al-Hussein - who Platini backed in the previous ballot only to antagonise the Jordanian with his plan to stand himself - is now evens favourite on the Betfair Sportsbook.

Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman is perceived to be his main competitor at 2/1, but Infantino is an intriguing candidate at 5/1.

The Swiss UEFA general secretary is best known as the guy who oversees the Champions League draws, yet he has been very loyal to Platini throughout this process, vowing to step aside if the Frenchman was absolved.

As a consequence, he should now receive the backing of his boss and will potentially also inherit the support of the former Ballon d'Or winner's allies, for instance the English Football Association.

If you anticipate an even bigger upset, South Africa's Tokyo Sexwale is a 12/1 shot and the other European hopeful Jerome Champagne is available at odds of 16/1.