Jose Mourinho backs Gianni Infantino for FIFA presidency

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has given his full backing to Gianni Infantino as the FIFA presidential election fast approaches.

Five candidates will compete for the FIFA presidency, which will be decided in a vote on Feb. 26, and Mourinho says there's no better man for the job than Infantino.

"I've known him for a long time. I know that he's very capable, very experienced and has complete knowledge of everything around football and this organisation," Mourinho told reporters during a campaign event at Wembley Stadium. "I think he's the one. I support him with a real feeling that I'm supporting someone that can do very well."

The election comes in the wake of embattled president Sepp Blatter's resignation, and the suspension of the initial front-runner to succeed him, Michel Platini, amid ongoing corruption charges leveled by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Infantino, who serves as UEFA's general secretary, is well-liked in the world of football, mostly for his most public role as coordinator and host of tournament draws.

But the charismatic figure is also hoping to make big changes to the way FIFA operates, including a restructuring of the international tournament model. He proposes a multi-country hosting plan where more than one country can host the European Championship or the World Cup in any given year.

Infantino is also looking to reverse the damage done to the organization over the course of the last year.

"The image and reputation of FIFA is not very high, and it has to rise again," he said. "We have to open the doors of FIFA to men and women from all over the world."