It’s finally over: Sepp Blatter’s stranglehold on FIFA – and perhaps even tighter grip on its finances – has been released following the election of new president Gianni Infantino.
Related: Gianni Infantino elected as FIFA president
In the second round of voting on Friday, the former general secretary of UEFA toppled his nearest rival Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa with 27 more votes, gaining an 11-vote cushion over the 104 votes necessary to gain the majority.
Here’s how some luminaries of the sport world reacted:
Whoa. I can’t believe that Don Garber just became FIFA President and vowed to turn every team in the world into a Burger King.
— Phillip Quinn (@PhilMQuinn) February 26, 2016
I for one welcome our new bald overlord #Infantino
— James Tyler (@JamesTylerESPN) February 26, 2016
Infantino wins. Football? Well, let’s wait and see.
— James Sharman (@jamessharman) February 26, 2016
UEFA back in charge – interesting times. But please can we abandon the 40 team World Cup non-idea
— Tim Vickery (@Tim_Vickery) February 26, 2016
Prediction: There will be a World Cup in the United States of America in 2026 ??
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??— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) February 26, 2016
Five months ago Infantino wasn’t even in this race. Now he’s about to become one of the best-paid men in world football.
— sportingintelligence (@sportingintel) February 26, 2016
Somewhere in a French hamlet, Michel Platini is weeping uncontrollably into a large Pernod
— Ian Prior (@ianprior) February 26, 2016
FIFA has a new……………….who cares! #allcrooks
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) February 26, 2016
Wish @Gianni_2016 all the best. He’s got one hell of a job on his hands but seems a decent chap. Needs a sizeable new broom.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) February 26, 2016
Gianni Infantino was born in Brig, Switzerland, 6 miles from Sepp Blatter’s hometown of Visp. ??
— Paul Carr (@PCarrESPN) February 26, 2016
The feel good story of the insider from the corrupt establishment beating out the candidate accused of torture.
— Mike L. Goodman (@TheM_L_G) February 26, 2016
Jerome Champagne sitting alone in a a mirrored room, his unbuttoned gold-lame shirt glittering in the light of the 25 candelabras
— Brian Phillips (@runofplay) February 26, 2016
Congratulations @Gianni_2016! #FIFAelection pic.twitter.com/wrstRHtGQB
— Gianluigi Buffon (@gianluigibuffon) February 26, 2016
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