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Whether the UEFA president would command enough support across the world is a separate question, however.

So far, nobody has formally declared themselves as a candidate to take over Gianni Infantino’s role as FIFA president.

Even so, a few clear names have already emerged as possible contenders, with Infantino coming under increasing pressure ahead of FIFA’s elections in March — assuming he remains in the race until then.

Infantino has already faced formal opposition from several member football associations, with a group of countries — including England and Wales — having publicly stated that they will oppose his re-election. So who are the early names in the frame?

Infantino has also received backing from some quarters, indicating that the contest to lead world football may end up being tighter than it first seemed.

In a two-candidate race, the winner would need at least 50% of the vote. If there are three or more candidates, they would need either a two-thirds majority, or the lowest-polling candidate would be eliminated before another round of voting.

As every member nation has one vote regardless of status or size, any successful candidate would need to prove they can represent the interests of smaller and less wealthy countries that depend far more heavily on FIFA funding.

Infantino’s own rise was built on doing exactly that, but there is a broader feeling that another European figure trying to replace the Swiss official would face a difficult challenge.

Even so, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has been installed by bookmakers as the 6/5 favourite.

He is followed by Paris Saint-Germain’s Qatari owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who has previously played down the idea of running for FIFA. Infantino’s rival from the previous election, Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, is priced at 4/1, alongside CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani.

And if anyone wants to take a long-shot punt, disgraced former FIFA president Sepp Blatter is available at 50/1.

For reasons unclear, no odds have been listed on Infantino himself. Candidates have until November 18 to enter the race for the election in March.

The odds are as follows:

Aleksander Ceferin - 6/5

Nasser Al-Khelaifi - 2/1

Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Victor Montagliani - 4/1

Dariusz Mioduski - 6/1

Arsene Wenger, Mattias Grafstrom - 8/1

Patrice Motsepe - 12/1

Lise Klaveness - 18/1

Gabriele Gravina, Hans-Joachim Watzke, Mark Bullingham - 25/1

Carlos Puyol, Fabio Cannavaro, Gareth Southgate, Pep Guardiola - 33/1

Sepp Blatter - 50/1