The imminent departure of Sepp Blatter at the helm of football's world governing body has prompted candidates to emerge in their droves, hoping to succeed the 79-year-old as the president of FIFA.
Monday is the final day for candidates looking to take over to officially lodge their bids to enter the election which is scheduled for February 26.
Some of the names are more familiar than others, so we decided to take a closer look at their credentials.
1) Michel Platini
Perhaps the most high profile candidate out of the eight provisional runners. Platini enjoyed a glittering playing career that spanned 21 years and included spells with Juventus and Nancy.
In 2007 he was appointed UEFA president and based on this criteria, as well as his love and admiration of the beautiful game, most would have thought he was the correct appointment for the job.
However, in light of recent revelations over payments made to him by Blatter as part of a "gentleman's agreement", his reputation may have taken a bit of a beating.
Currently suspended by FIFA, he still retains the full backing and support of UEFA.
UEFA President Michel Platini. Image: John Walton / PA Wire/Press Association Images
2) Prince Ali*
The Jordanian made his mark when he forced incumbent Blatter into a second round of voting during May's election.
Given that he came relatively close five months ago, he may consider himself to have a decent chance of gaining a foothold in the race, especially with the cloud hovering over Platini who he was critical of recently.
He has already confirmed that he is putting himself in the running for the next election.
HRH Prince Ali Bin Hussein. Image: John Walton / PA Wire/Press Association Images
3) Jerome Champagne
“The events of the past few months have renewed my determination to be a candidate,” Champagne said in the seven-page manifesto he has sent to FIFA's 209 member associations.
This month, the Frenchman entered the race to become FIFA's next president and allegedly has eight associations supporting his bid from three continents.
Champagne has positioned himself as a ‘clean’ candidate following the suspensions of Blatter, Platini and FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke.
The 57-year-old wants to change the governance of FIFA and modernize its administration, apply the "highest standards of transparency and ethics" and elevate women’s football.
Champagne is a former French diplomat, as well as a consultant in international football. He served as an executive at FIFA from 1999 to 2010.
FIFA Presidential candidate Jerome Champagne listens to questions during a coalition meeting on FIFA reform at the European Parliament in Brussels. Image: Geert Vanden Wijngaert / AP/Press Association Images
4) Sheikh Salman*
The Bahraini has been in charge of the Asian Football Confederation since 2013 and also serves as the Deputy Chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
Al-Khalifa had been fulsome in his backing of Platini prior to recent events, but with the changing winds there has been rumours speculating that he may put himself forward as a presidential candidate at FIFA.
He did appear to rule out running in a statement, saying: "I have noted recent media speculation that my name has been suggested by others but, while I would like to thank them for their trust and confidence in my leadership, the thought of being a candidate in 2016 had not crossed my mind."
But with the uncertainty surrounding key candidates, there could be a temptation to put himself forward.
Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa. Image: Hasan Jamali / AP/Press Association Images
5) Gianni Infantino
Recognised by many, Infantino has been Platini's right hand man for the past six years and today put himself in the running to be elected.
His campaign got off to a positive start as he received the unanimous backing of UEFA.
In a statement they said: “The forthcoming election for a new Fifa president represents a crucial moment in the governance of the game and the future of Fifa itself.
"We believe that Gianni Infantino has all of the qualities required to tackle the major challenges ahead and to lead the organisation on a path of reform to restore Fifa’s integrity and credibility."
He is the current UEFA General Secretary, a position he has been in since 2009. He was the interim UEFA Chief Executive during 2007.
These high profile positions may stand to him. He hasn't courted controversy in his time in these positions and in fact called for UEFA to take tough action in the wake of the 2009 European football betting scandal.
Gianni Infantino, left. Image: Lionel Cironneau / AP/Press Association Images
6) David Nakhid
A former Trinidad and Tobago captain, Nakhid is based in Lebanon where he runs a football academy.
After returning to the Carribean to gather support, he said: "FIFA's focus must be on development accompanied by proper oversight."
The 51-year-old has been strongly critical of Trindid's former FIFA vice-president and ex-CONCACAF president Jack Warner.
A relative unknown, but could get a stronger backing when he releases more details about his campaign manifesto.
Former Trinidad and Tobago midfielder David Nakhid. Image:Bilal Hussein / AP/Press Association Images
7) Musa Bility*
The head of the Liberian FA put himself forward in June, but significantly lacks the backing of his own confederation, CAF, who publicly stated that they will not be throwing their support behind his candidacy.
That would appear to be a significant spanner in the works if he sees himself as a serious candidate.
Musa Bility. Image: Getty Images/BBC
8) Tokyo Sexwale
Remember the name.
He's the a South African anti-apartheid campaigner (jailed alongside Nelson Mandela) hoping to become the first African to be president of FIFA.
Sexwale has no current active role in domestic football. However he was part of South Africa’s 2010 FIFA World Cup bid and lead the committee that organised the event.
After the 2010 World Cup he was appointed to FIFA’s anti-racism and anti-discrimination committee.
“If we don’t stand up, if we allow racism to overpower sport, we will be doomed to existence in a hostile world,” he told FIFA last year.
His lack of involvement in domestic football may prove detrimental, but as an anti-racism campaigner he is likely to garner a lot of support.
Tokyo Sexwale. Image: Dan Balilty / AP/Press Association Images
*Additional reporting by Raf Diallo
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