This month's Fifa election will have one less name to be considered in the race to become the president, after the withdrawal by Michael van Praag. The Dutch Football federation's current president will not now be running for the prestigious post as the head of international football's governing body. He has made it known that that he will lend his support to Jordan's Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein's bid instead. Also still in the running are the ex-Portuguese midfield international Luis Figo and the current incumbent, Sepp Blatter.
Van Praag and Figo rumours
67-year-old van Praag and Figo had both been rumoured to be considering their options earlier in the week.
The expectation was that there would be some form of unified approach taken between the three people opposing Blatter, in an attempt to maximise the chances of ousting him from the post. Only van Praag has yet made the decision to back out of the race so far though.
No let up by Blatter
Blatter is twelve years older than the Dutchman but shows few signs of walking away from the post he has held since June 1988, after taking over from João Havelange. The smart money seems to be on the Swiss candidate retaining his position once again, as he goes for a fifth term in football's 'hot seat'.
Figo's appeal
Figo at 42 would no doubt bring a fresh outlook to the role, with many inside the sport claiming that it needs to move on with new ideas and a new leader.
Many current players within the game would no doubt relate to the former Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan player, who retired just six years ago. He is, however, relatively inexperienced in terms of what it takes to perform the governance of the sport, despite acting as an ambassador for Inter across Europe in recent years.
Prince Ali seeks change
Prince Ali is even younger than Figo at 39 years of age and is the third son of King Hussein of Jordan. He does have more relevant practical experience to fall back on for the head role, having held the position of Vice President of Fifa for Asia since January 2011. His current roles also encompass the presidency of the Football Association within his own country.
The Prince seems keen for change to occur within the sport and to enhance the profile of Asia within the world game, judging by his campaign for the Fifa role he currently holds. His manifesto for the top role, "A FIFA Worthy of the World's Game", highlights the need for a more open and transparent organisation.
The decision as to which man takes the game forward over the next few years will be made at the election on 29th May.