English FA backs challenger to the FIFA throne.
The Football Association have rubber stamped their backing for Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein to stand against Sepp Blatter for the FIFA presidency, the Daily Mirror reports.
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The discussion has been going on for some time, but the FA formally submitted their bid to back the newcomer on Thursday evening.
All candidates have until the deadline on midnight of the 29th January to submit applications with a shortlist expected to be named shortly after.
The FA have chased Prince Ali as their officially backed candidate, but they have also made their general support known for president of the Dutch FA Michael van Praag in his own quest for football’s top job.
Other figures standing include former Real Madrid star Luis Figo, and ex-FIFA executive Jerome Champagne.
“The board discussed the upcoming FIFA presidency election and the welcome proliferation of candidates in the race,” said FA chairman Greg Dyke.
“We agreed to formally nominate Prince Ali of the Jordanian FA but also noted the encouraging reform message being offered by Michael van Praag.
“We will now await FIFA’s final confirmation of the candidates and look forward to assessing the manifestos of all who are entered into the election on May 29.
“We have said for a long time that a new approach is essential within FIFA. I welcome the chance for a considered debate in the weeks ahead before we decide where the FA casts its vote.”