The FA have publically backed Michel Platini’s bid for the Fifa presidency.

In a statement released today, FA Chairman Greg Dyke gave his support to the reigning Uefa president: “We are pleased Mr Platini has decided to stand as a candidate and we look forward to supporting him.”

He went on to state, ‘We have a good relationship with him and hope he can gain the necessary global backing to lead a new Fifa during the most difficult period in its history.’

Since the arrest of seven Fifa officials in May this year, the organisation’s reputation has been tarnished amid corruption allegations.

President Sepp Blatter, who has resided over the organisation since 1998, announced his resignation just four days after being re-elected for an additional four-year term. He will continue to serve until February’s election.

As a result of bribery accusations regarding the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 to Russia and Qatar respectively, Fifa took the decision to delay the 2026 World Cup bidding process.

Dyke believes these charges will make it ‘challenging for anyone to lead an organisation that has been so tainted.’ He spoke of the need for a complete overhaul, saying that the ‘whole structure of Fifa must be reviewed and fundamentally changed.’

However, despite not having yet seen Platini’s manifesto, Dyke trusts that he will ‘fully support an ongoing reform process.’