Dutch football association chief pulls out of Fifa top job race
Michael van Praag has formally withdrawn his candidacy for the Fifa chairmanship in order to clear the way for Jordanian prince Ali bin Al-Hussein.
The Dutch football association KNVB said in a short statement Van Praag had reached his decision ‘following extensive discussions with different parties and stakeholders’.
He will give further information at a press conference on Thursday evening which will also be attended by Ali bin Al-Hussein.
Dutch media said earlier this week Van Praag was poised to stand down to give the prince a clear run. Former Portuguese international Louis Figo said later on Thursday he is also leaving the race.
All three men came forward in an effort to stop Sepp Blatter, who has been mired in controversy, winning a fifth term.
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