The KNVB have announced that Michael van Praag will challenge Sepp Blatter to become president of FIFA.
- By Michael Bell
- Follow Michael on Twitter
The Dutchman, who is currently chairman of the KNVB has the five required letters of support from football unions who support his candidacy and will put his name forward to FIFA officially on Tuesday. The 67-year-old will then outline his plans in Amsterdam on Wednesday.
Van Praag is the fourth candidate to challenge Sepp Blatter after David Ginola, Jérôme Champagne, and Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein all put their names forward to replace the widely criticised Swiss president.
A statement from Van Praag on the KNVB website read, “It is well known that I am deeply worried about the FIFA.”
“At times I hoped that there would be a credible opponent, but that’s simply has not happened. Then you must not only use words but also act decisively and take responsibility. Therefore, I now suggest me as a candidate. ”
KNVB director Bert van Oostveen tweeted his support on Twitter, “Fresh wind needed for FIFA to be credible again, Van Praag is the right man. We support him in his campaign.”
Van Praag was chairman of Ajax between the period of 1989 and 2003 before being made KVB chairman in 2008. The 67 year old is a member of the Executive committee of UEFA.
Blatter is still regarded as favourite for the vote which happens on the 29th of May.
Follow
Follow @Footballoranje_ on Twitter
