The Football Association has formally nominated Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan to take the FIFA presidency from Sepp Blatter.
The current FIFA vice-president will attempt to stop Blatter sealing a fifth term in May following numerous allegations of corruption.
It has now been confirmed by the English governing body that members gave their formal backing to Prince Ali in a board meeting on Thursday.
"The board discussed the upcoming FIFA presidency election and the welcome proliferation of candidates in the race," The Mirror quotes chairman Greg Dyke as saying.
"We agreed to formally nominate Prince Ali of the Jordanian FA but also noted the encouraging reform message being offered by Michael van Praag. We will now await FIFA's final confirmation of the candidates and look forward to assessing the manifestos of all who are entered into the election on May 29.
"We have said for a long time that a new approach is essential within FIFA. I welcome the chance for a considered debate in the weeks ahead before we decide where the FA casts its vote."
Van Praag, Jerome Champagne and former Portugal international Luis Figo intend to run against Blatter.
Danielle Joynson
