Eight days before May 29's election, the Dutch FA (KNVB) chief has chosen to back out of the race to run world football's governing body, and he is expected to elaborate on his decision at a press conference on Thursday.
"Michael van Praag has decided, after long consideration with stakeholeders and third parties that he withdraw his candidacy for the Fifa presidency," the KNVB said in a statement. "He will support the bid of Prince Ali Al Hussein now.
"An explanation on his decision will be held during an international press conference in Amsterdam. Michael van Praag will give his explanation on his decision and Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein will speak as well."
Van Praag later confirmed to METRO that he was withdrawing his candidacy in an effort to strengthen the campaign to have Blatter replaced.
"From day one we (Luis Figo, Prince Ali and Van Praag) said: 'There will be a moment where we have to plan out the best strategy'. Last week we did this on Monday.
"Three candidates, two or one. Everybody I've spoken to in the last three months said: 'Guys, one candidate, otherwise you don't stand a chance'. More than one candidate is no real bid.
"We all think we're the best candidate. But the most important thing is that somebody else than
Blatter becomes president, not that Michael van Praag becomes president. Prince Ali will explain tonight how he tries to reach his goal and wich agenda points he will take from my bid."
Van Praag also revealed that the decision took a long time to be made public as Figo is still harbouring doubts over whether to continue his own campaign.
"The fact it took quite a long time before we made this decision is due to Luis Figo. He's still doubting his candidacy."
Van Praag's decision to stand aside is believed to be an attempt to unite opposition against Blatter, who is hugely unpopular among football fans and has presided over a Fifa that gave World Cup hosting rights to Russia and Qatar amid corruption and bribery claims.
Despite the negative publicity surrounding the reigning Fifa chief, the Swiss is expected to stay in power unless there is a seismic shift in the week leading up the election.
Van Praag will be hoping his backing of Jordan's Prince Ali bin-Hussein will pool for votes against Blatter, though some FAs are still set to vote for third candidate Luis Figo.
Blatter has been in charge of Fifa since 1998 and had promised to make this current term his last, before reneging on that statement to announce his intention to run for a fifth time.
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