The body had supported the ex-France international’s bid to take over the world governing body, but will now wait on the results of a probe into the Uefa president’s conduct

The English Football Association (FA) has announced it will no longer support Michel Platini’s candidacy to succeed Sepp Blatter as Fifa president.

The former France international had been tipped as one of the front-runners to succeed Blatter, who was forced to call elections in the world body following the corruption scandal which broke in May.

Following revelations that the Uefa president faces his own charges, however, and a subsequent provisional suspension, the FA has withdrawn its backing.

“The FA supports the statement issued by UEFA on Thursday 15 October concerning the ethics case against Michel Platini,” the association said.

“This statement expressed respect for the significant work performed by Mr Platini at UEFA, requested that he be afforded due process in contesting the charges, and encouraged the relevant bodies involved to reach a final decision on the merits of the case by mid-November.

“The FA wishes Mr Platini every success in fighting these charges and clearing his name, and has no interest in taking any action that jeopardises this process.

“However, notwithstanding the above, at the UEFA meeting on Thursday, The FA learnt more information relating to the issues at the centre of this case from Mr Platini’s lawyers.

“We have been instructed that the information must be kept confidential and therefore we cannot go into specifics.

“As a result of learning this information, The FA Board has on Friday morning concluded that it must suspend its support for Mr Platini’s candidature for the FIFA Presidency until the legal process has been concluded and the position is clear.”