South African businessman Tokyo Sexwale could run for the FIFA presidency, according to a spokesperson.

The former political prisoner is said to have been approached to take over the top job which is soon to be vacated by Sepp Blatter.

Sexwale, who has previously served on FIFA's anti-discrimination task force, is now weighing up his options before making a decision.

"Mr. Sexwale has been approached to put his name forward as a candidate for the FIFA presidency by several highly placed personalities within the football fraternity including people from the private sector," Peter-Paul Ngwenya, of the South African's Global Watch foundation, told Reuters. "He is in the process of consulting following which he will then make up his mind."

Former FIFA vice-president Chung Mong-joon recently revealed that he wants to replace outgoing Blatter, while UEFA boss Michel Platini is also in the running.

An election to decide the new leader of world football's governing body is due to take place on February 26, 2016.