FIFA: Michael van Praag withdraws his candidacy for the presidency and supports Ali Bin Al Hussein

"After thorough deliberation and reflection with different involved parties and stakeholders, Michael van Praag decided to withdraw his candidacy to become the next FIFA president and to join forces with presidential candidate Prince Ali Al Hussein," stated Michael van Praag (NED) on 21/05/2015.

Michael van Praag, president of the KNVB, announced his candidacy for the presidency of FIFA on 26/01/2015. The Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant reported, on 20/05/2015, that Michael van Praag would announce the withdrawal of his candidacy, and that Michael van Praag and Luis Figo (POR) could hold a joint press conference in the Netherlands on 21/05/2015, announcing their withdrawal and their common support for the candidacy of Ali Bin Al Hussein (JOR), the other competitor to Joseph Blatter (SUI), who is seeking a fifth term as head of the international body.

Luis Figo denied wanting to withdraw his candidacy for the presidency of FIFA on 20/05/2015.

• "An explanation for this decision will be given at a joint (international) press meeting, scheduled to take place tonight in Amsterdam (NED),"…