Following last month’s launch of the UEFA general secretary’s manifesto - Taking Football Forward - which outlined reforms and good governance, democracy and participation and football development as the cornerstone of his vision for world football’s governing body - the plan details further how the 45-year-old will aim to bring about change, openness and transparency.

It covers 11 points including launching the bidding process for the 2026 World Cup, introducing reforms of the transfer system and appointing a new FIFA secretary general.

Infantino was accompanied at the launch event by high-profile backers including José Mourinho, the former Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid manager, and fellow Portuguese Luís Figo, who had been one of three candidates looking to unseat Sepp Blatter in last May’s FIFA Presidential election prior to his withdrawal. 

Also here were former England, Real Madrid and Juventus manager Fabio Capello.

Spain's Fernando Hierro, Dutch player Clarence Seedorf and Brazilian Roberto Carlos were among other players to demonstrate their support.

"For too long the scandal and corruption that has engulfed FIFA has taken centre stage and I believe my proposals will help put football back in the spotlight where it belongs," said Infantino. 

"My vision for FIFA and for football is based on many discussions I have had with Association heads in recent weeks and months and these conversations have reaffirmed my view that change is needed now.

"We must seize this opportunity to reach the next generation of football fans and players around the world.

"The global game has spoken and we must deliver the change that is necessary for the good of the game."

Infantino said he would quickly seek to replace former FIFA secretary general Jérôme Valcke, sacked last month for his role in allegedly selling World Cup tickets for almost five times their face value.

He revealed, though, he will not appoint a fellow European to the role, indicating he wants an African to fill the position.

This is despite the fact that FIFA has had 10 secretary generals since 1904, all of whom have been Europeans.

"What we want to do is open the doors of FIFA administration," said Infantino. 

"I am convinced the general secretary of FIFA should not be European.

"Why not an African?

"There are many capable people in Africa, we have to open the doors of FIFA to men and women from all over the world."

The Swiss will go up against Asian Football Confederation President Shaikh Salman Bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa of Bahrain, Jordanian FA chief Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, Frenchman Jérôme Champagne and South African businessman Tokyo Sexwale for the FIFA Presidency at the Extraordinary Congress in Zurich.

As part of his manifesto, Infantino, who has held his role as general secretary of European football’s governing body since 2009, also attempted to appeal to FIFA’s 209 Member Associations by pledging to give them more money.

He said each of the Federations will receive $5 million (£3.5 million/€4.5 million) during each four-year cycle and also vowed to provide them with a further $1 million (£703,000/€920,000) to cover travel costs in a bid to increase participation of countries in international and regional tournaments.

Today, he insisted there would be no financial risk in increasing the amount FIFA hands out.

"There is no problem in distributing $1.2 billion (£835 million/€1.1 billion) when revenue is $5 billion (£3.5 billion/€4.6 billion)," he said.

Among the other points in Infantino's plan are the implementation of good governance and compliance reforms, the planning of strategy meetings with Member Associations to take place in Autumn of this year, and consultation with key commercial partners in a bid to bring trust back to the market.

He would launch and inaugurate a "new and dynamic exchange and internship programme" to increase co-operation at all levels, he says, as well as placing renewed focus on tailor-made national and regional projects.

In addition, he would set up new football development regulations while a "Legends" team would also be created to promote the "social impact" of football around the world.