Cruyff in van Praag's corner

Soccer legend Johan Cruyff has thrown his weight behind fellow Dutchman Michael van Praag in the race for FIFA's presidency, saying his friend is "somebody you can count on."

Writing for popular daily tabloid De Telegraaf on Monday, Cruyff said: "If van Praag ever asked for my support, he's got it. I've known him for 50 years and we remain good friends. He's someone you can count on."

Dutch soccer chief van Praag threw his hat in the ring a week ago in a bid to dethrone FIFA president Sepp Blatter, saying he would stand for one term only.

Van Praag said he wanted to modernize soccer'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' soccer 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, whoCruyff described as an "excellent candidate" but one lacking management experience.

"Therefore it would be good for Figo to support van Praag," this time, Cruyff wrote.

Known as the "Flying Dutchman" for his explosive style, Cruyff is considered by many as one of soccer'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 player three times in the process. He played for the Los Angeles Aztecs and Washington Dipomats in the North American Soccer League in 1979 and 1980.

As a coach, among titles he won the Champions League with Barcelona in 1992 and shaped the club's celebrated youth system.

Agence France Presse