Dutch FA President Michael van Praag, who has been the "most outspoken of the three challengers to Sepp Blatter" for the FIFA presidency, is "poised to stand down in an effort to coalesce support behind a single opposition candidate," according to Owen Gibson of the London GUARDIAN. Reports in the Netherlands said that Van Praag was "poised to stand aside as early as Thursday but also said that he may reconsider if a fellow challenger, Luís Figo, does not also pull out." Sources close to Figo said that rumors he planned to "travel to Holland to appear alongside Van Praag at a press conference were untrue and that he was still considering his position." One source said, "Luís is an independent candidate and will keep being independent. He will not travel to Holland and won't participate in any press conference, contrary to what the rumors say." Van Praag met his fellow challengers Prince Ali bin al-Hussein and Figo in Nyon last week. A Van Praag spokesperson said, "We can confirm that there have been discussions between the candidates regarding the possibility to join forces" (GUARDIAN, 5/20). DEUTSCHE WELLE reported Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant reported Van Praag "apparently wants to lend his
support" to Prince Ali. Van Praag is "believed to be of the opinion" that Prince Ali has "managed to unite the most support behind
his bid." The newspaper reported that Figo will "also withdraw for
the same reasons" (DW, 5/20).
