Michael Van Praag to Challenge Sepp Blatter for FIFA Presidency

Dutch FA president has announced his decision to run for FIFA president, joining a long list of candidates set to challenge incumbent Sepp Blatter.

Continue for updates.

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Van Praag Discusses Expanded World Cup, Criticizes FIFA in Announcement Press Conference

Wednesday, Jan. 28

Michael Van Praag discussed potentially expanding the World Cup if elected president, according to Owen Gibson of the Guardian:

Van Praag also criticized current FIFA leadership, according to Richard Conway of the BBC:

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Van Praag to Run for FIFA Presidency

Monday, Jan. 26 

Dutch FA president Michael Van Praag is set to stand against Sepp Blatter for the FIFA presidency.

As reported by BBC 5Live's Richard Conway, Van Praag has concerns over how FIFA is run—along with many others—and confirmed he has the required support of five national associations:

Van Praag spoke about the decision in a video interview posted by the Dutch national team's YouTube account:

The 67-year-old is set to hold a press conference on Wednesday, per the Daily Telegraph's Ben Rumsby, the day before Thursday's deadline for candidates to confirm they are standing:   

The vote for FIFA presidency will take place on May 29. Van Praag joins Jordan's Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein in challenging the long-standing Blatter, per BBC Sport.

Blatter will be going for his fifth term in charge of football's world governing body, which has been increasingly criticised in recent times after a string of controversies, most significantly accusations of corruption, per The Guardian. 

Many are eager to see a change at the top of the organisation and will likely welcome Van Praag's intention to run against Blatter.