The election to determine Blatter’s successor is scheduled to take place on February 26, but amid the ongoing crisis in world football’s governing body discussions about delaying the vote are set to be held at an emergency FIFA Executive Committee meeting in Zurich on October 20.

Prince Ali failed to unseat Blatter in May’s election, but the incumbent’s subsequent resignation paved the way for a new vote.

Blatter was suspended from FIFA last week following the launch of a criminal investigation by authorities in his native Switzerland, who are probing a supposed "disloyal payment" - one not in the interests of FIFA - of CHF 2 million (£1.3 million/$2.1 million/€1.8 million) which he made to UEFA President Michel Platini.

Platini, himself a Presidential candidate, has also been suspended which casts huge doubt on his ability to run, while Blatter is also alleged to have signed an "unfavourable contract" with the Caribbean Football Union.

"This time of crisis at FIFA is an opportunity for positive change," Prince Ali said in a statement.

"Many good ideas have emerged in the current discussion over FIFA's future.

“A better future will only come if ideas turn into action and that will only happen if FIFA has the right leadership.

“I am confident that FIFA can emerge from this difficult period with its reputation restored and become an organisation that is once again viewed with respect."

The 39-year-old has also sent an e-mail to the heads of all of FIFA's member associations stating the "dark cloud" over FIFA's leadership should not overshadow the good work done.

"I have never lost sight of the fact that there are so many good and honest people within the global FIFA organisation," he added. 

"The crisis at FIFA is a crisis of leadership.

"I believe in this organisation.

"Together we will make it great again."

Prince Ali, who yesterday said postponing the election would create "further instability", is not naming the five nominators who backed him ahead of the October 26 deadline for the formal submission of candidatures.

It is set to become a lot clearer today whether Platini will be in the race, with UEFA’s member associations due to meet in Switzerland to discuss his role as President and bid for FIFA Presidency.

South Korea's Chung Mong-joon was set to stand but he was banned for six years last week after being found guilty of infringing FIFA Ethics rules in relation to the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding process.

Former Brazilian footballer Zico and Nigeria's Segun Odegbami have also indicated that they will run, while former FIFA secretary general Michel Zen Ruffinen, a fierce critic of Blatter, has said that he has been asked to stand and is currently considering his options.



Related stories
October 2015: Qatar 2022 claim they have had no contact from Swiss authorities over World Cup corruption allegations
October 2015: South African official Lindile Kika handed six-year ban by FIFA after match-fixing probe
October 2015: Presidential hopeful Prince Ali urges FIFA not to postpone February election
October 2015: Sepp Blatter's former rival Zen Ruffinen "asked to stand for FIFA Presidency"
October 2015: Thailand Football Association President suspended from all football activities for 90 days