FA switches backing to Blatter's rival

The Football Association have announced they will be backing Issa Hyatou, Fifa president Sepp Blatter's rival, in the forthcoming election for leadership of the world governing body.

The FA, who decided unanimously on their stance at a board meeting yesterday, have taken what is effectively a moral stand amid the corruption allegations surrounding Blatter.

The Fifa president is the subject of legal action instigated by five Fifa vice-presidents, who have accused him of financial mismanagement which could amount to criminal offences. This follows a report to the Fifa executive by the general secretary Michel Zen-Ruffinen, which addressed the finances of the world governing body and Blatter's leadership.

Four years ago the FA switched their support to Blatter from the head of Uefa Lennart Johansson, but now feel unable to back him and believe this is the moment of biggest impact for their announcement.

An FA statement said: "The FA wanted to place on record their high regard and admiration for the general secretary of Fifa, Michel Zen-Ruffinen. In increasingly difficult circumstances, he has continued to seek to fulfil his responsibilities. In that task, he deserves to receive the full support of the worldwide football community."