Cruyff backs Van Praag for FIFA presidency

THE HAGUE: Football legend Johan Cruyff has thrown his weight behind fellow Dutchman Michael van Praag in the race for FIFA’s presidency, saying his friend was somebody “you can count on.”

Writing for popular daily tabloid De Telegraaf yesteday, Cruyff said if Van Praag “ever asked for my support, he’s got it.” “I’ve known him for fifty years and we remain good friends. He’s someone you can count on.” Dutch football chief Van Praag a week ago threw his hat in the ring in the bid to dethrone FIFA president Sepp Blatter, saying he would stand for one term only.

Van Praag said he wanted to modernise football’s world governing body “which has lost all credibility.” The former Ajax chairman presented backing from the Dutch, Belgian, Swedish, Scottish, Romanian and Faroe Islands’ football federations.

He is among four candidates announced Monday for the FIFA candidacy including Blatter himself, considered to be the favorite. Another candidate is former Portugal international Luis Figo, who Cruyff described as an “excellent candidate” but one lacking management experience.

“Therefore it would be good for Figo to support Van Praag,” this time, Cruyff writes.Known as the “Flying Dutchman” for his explosive style, Cruyff is considered by many as one of football’s all-time greats. In his prime he led Ajax to three straight European Cup triumphs from 1971-1973 and he also led the Netherlands to the 1974 World Cup final, winning the Ballon d’Or award as Europe’s best footballer three times in the process.

As a coach, among others he won the Champions League with Barcelona in 1992 and shaped the club’s celebrated youth system.—AFP