English FA Backs Michael Van Praag For UEFA Presidency

The Football Association has announced that it will support Michael van Praag in the race to replace Michel Platini as UEFA president at next week’s extraordinary congress in Athens.

Van Praag, the President of the Royal Dutch Football Association, is up against Slovenian Aleksander Ceferin, who has been backed by both the German and French associations.
Spain’s Angel Maria Villar Llona quit the contest on Tuesday.
FA vice-chairman David Gill, a UEFA executive committee member, said in a statement that English football’s governing body had decided to back Van Praag after careful consideration of the candidates.
“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 said.

“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.”
Noting his long service for Dutch giants Ajax and his time in charge of the Dutch FA, Gill highlighted Van Praag’s work in promoting the women’s game and fighting discrimination.
“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,” Gill added.