Presidential candidate Gianni Infantino enters the stage for a speech during the UEFA meeting in Zurich, Switzerland,
All five FIFA candidates darted across Zurich in a final push to secure votes in Friday's presidential election.
On a tour of regional confederations on Thursday, election favorite Sheikh Salman told North American members he would find ways to avoid cutting the number of coveted committee places — positions which carry expenses-paid meetings in Zurich.
The pledge to maintain voters' privileges and help educate them in soccer leadership seemed to endorse the kind of patronage FIFA was criticized for during Sepp Blatter's presidency.
"I can promise you that the numbers won't change," the Bahraini sheik, who is the president of the Asian soccer confederation, told CONCACAF members.
Those same soccer leaders will take part in another vote Friday expected to pass FIFA reforms that include abolishing 17 of the current 26 standing committees.
"I am sure that we need most of you around," the sheik told the officials, who make up 35 of the 207 eligible voters. "It is an investment in the people we have in football."
Minutes later, Infantino reminded the same group of delegates about his cash promises.
Infantino, the UEFA general secretary, and Sheikh Salman appear to be the candidates with the most support. Although Prince Ali of Jordan earned 73 votes in last year's presidential vote against Blatter, he is considered to be an outsider this time.
Struggling to attract support: Former FIFA official Jerome Champagne and South African businessman Tokyo Sexwale.
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