UEFA today threw their support behind Sepp Blatter to be re-elected as FIFA president.
All members of UEFA's executive committee including England's Geoff Thompson, have signed a letter backing Blatter and urging 'all UEFA member associations to do likewise.'
The move is a strong indication UEFA president Michel Platini aims to stand in 2015 when Blatter has said he will step down if re-elected.
Meanwhile, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are all also expected to support Blatter in next month's election, leaving the Football Association potentially isolated.
Although the above associations are yet to make formal decisions about the candidates, well-placed sources say the Football Association of Wales and Scottish FA are both set to back Blatter rather than his challenger Mohamed Bin Hammam.
The Irish FA will make a decision just before the June 1 election and say they are keeping an open mind, but it is believed they are also leaning towards the 75-year-old Blatter, who looks to be leading the race.
The FA's board meets on 19 May to decide their strategy with a number of members still seething with Blatter over England's failed 2018 World Cup bid.
Even those close to Blatter believe the best they can hope for is for the FA to decide to abstain from the vote.
The FA's stance has been questioned by other senior figures in the home associations, who believe Blatter, and Platini, provide the best protection for their separate status in FIFA.
