French Football Federation backs Infantino for FIFA head

Published Jan. 29, 2016 8:17 a.m. ET

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PARIS (AP) In the absence of the banned Michel Platini, the French Football Federation is supporting Gianni Infantino in his bid to become the next FIFA president.

Federation president Noel Le Graet says on Friday that 11 of the 12 members of its executive committee have agreed to support the UEFA general secretary in the Feb. 26 election.

Le Graet says ''Gianni has all the qualities required to succeed,'' including ''experience, talent, strength at work, and beliefs.''

Infantino has been pledged support from a big majority of the 53 members in Europe, plus from CONMEBOL.

Infantino entered the race last October after Platini, the UEFA president, was implicated in wrongdoing over a $2 million payment from FIFA in 2011.