FA backing Michael van Praag for UEFA presidency
Wednesday 7 September 2016 08:48, UK
Michael van Praag, head of the Dutch FA, has been declared the Football Association's No 1 choice to become UEFA's new president at next week’s election in Athens.
Following the withdrawal on Tuesday of Angel Maria Villar, head of Spain's football association, the UEFA presidential race is between Slovenian FA chief Aleksander Ceferin and Van Praag, the UEFA vice president who has overseen Dutch football for the past eight years.
With the vote taking place during the 12th Extraordinary UEFA Congress on Wednesday September 14 in Greece, England's FA has made clear who it wants to succeed Michel Platini.
David Gill, FA vice-chairman and UEFA executive committee member, said: "The FA Board has considered the candidates for the UEFA presidency.
"While we note Angel Maria Villar Llona's withdrawal overnight and fully respect Aleksander Ceferin's credentials, we have agreed to support Michael van Praag.
"He is someone we have come to know very well and worked closely with in recent years, particularly because of our shared commitment to securing FIFA reform.
"As UEFA president, Mr Van Praag would be able to provide the strong and credible leadership European football requires at a crucial moment for the global game.
"He has an exemplary reputation, forged during his long association with Ajax and the Royal Netherlands Football Association.
"He would represent the European member associations with dignity and integrity while building on the good work UEFA has been carrying out in key areas such as promoting football for all, the growth of the women's game and the fight against discrimination.
"Having worked alongside him on the UEFA Executive Committee, Mr Van Praag is also the right choice to bring all aspects of the European game closer together, particularly with his knowledge of club football, and will be able to foster close ties with other confederations.
"In all, he has a proven track record across domestic and international matters that can only help UEFA go forward."
