Intro:

In a media conference at the Headquarters of the Royal Netherlands Football Association, Michael van Praag on Monday (2nd March) gave further details about his campaign to become FIFA's next president.

Script:

SOUNDBITE (English) Michael van Praag, candidate for FIFA presidency (on the World Cup):

"Participation in the final tournament can be an incredible boost to the development of football in a country. We must not forget that. That is why I want to give more countries the opportunity to play on the highest stage of world football. Forty countries, forty - with a guaranteed place in the tournament for the organising country or organising countries and a guarantee that the reigning world champion can defend their title."

SOUNDBITE (English) Michael van Praag, candidate for FIFA presidency (on use of video technology):

"Furthermore, when a controversial incident takes place, we cannot expect our referees to be the only people in the stadium who can not replay that moment, where everyone else can check on their smartphones whether the ref(eree) was right or wrong. The referee in the only person who cannot do this. So I want to introduce more modern technology, like the video referee, where this is feasible in sporting, technical and financial terms."

SOUNDBITE (English) Michael van Praag, candidate for FIFA presidency (on funding of football associations):

"At present, too much money is disappearing in the periphery. This is why I will increase the funding of football associations four-fold. Each football association will see its funding go up from 250,000 dollars to a million per year. This amount is backed up by a solid financial plan."

SOUNDBITE (English) Michael van Praag, candidate for FIFA presidency (on FIFA structure):

"I think today there is too much power in the office of FIFA and too little influence of the presidents of the confederations. As you have heard during this speech, I believe in cooperation with the confederations. I believe they have lot of knowledge that is unique and very, very valuable. That is why I want to install a Presidents' Board, with the presidents of all six confederations in it. The Presidents' Board will help take decisions on important matters."