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Michael van Praag withdraws from FIFA presidency race

Image: Michael van Praag: No longer taking on Sepp Blatter

Michael van Praag has withdrawn from the race to become FIFA president and thrown his support behind Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan.

Van Praag was one of three candidates bidding to take on incumbent Sepp Blatter, who is bidding for a fifth term in charge of football's world governing body.

The Dutchman's withdrawal leaves Prince Ali and Portugal great Luis Figo as the only remaining challengers for Blatter's job.

Dutch federation chief Van Praag, who was previously chairman of Ajax, announced his candidacy in January with the aim of modernising FIFA, which he felt had 'lost all credibility.'

Van Praag and Prince Ali will hold a news conference in Amsterdam on Thursday evening to give more details about his decision.

Figo's position in the election has also been come into question with opponents of Blatter suggesting they would be better backing one candidate rather than votes being shared.

Blatter remains a strong favourite to add to his 17 years in charge of FIFA when the 209 national federations vote next week.

"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 bin al Hussein," read a statement from van Praag's team.

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