Gill wont stand for presidency



Gill, the 57-year-old British FIFA vice-president, had been viewed as one of the potential successors to Sepp Blatter, who announced on Tuesday he would be stepping down, but has told colleagues at European governing body UEFA and the Football Association that he will not stand to be the next leader of the global organisation.

It is understood Gill will, however, take up his position on the FIFA executive committee now that Blatter has confirmed his intention to quit as president after 17 years following the corruption crisis that has rocked the world governing body.

The chances of UEFA president Michel Platini standing for the FIFA post may also be diminishing.

Germany's federation president Wolfgang Niersbach, also a FIFA executive committee member, said that he wants his Dutch counterpart Michael van Praag to run.

Niersbach told German TV station ZDF said: "Michel (Platini) would have been a great candidate when Blatter promised to step down (in 2011) and now he is in lots of discussions."

Asked about van Praag, Niersbach added: "His professional experience and his integrity make him the ideal man."

Former UEFA president Lennart Johansson is also backing Van Praag.

He said: "I would vote for Michael van Praag from Holland, he is a good man, and has been with Ajax and Holland, one of the best football countries in the world."

Source : PA

Source: PA