LONDON: Veteran ex-England defender Rio Ferdinand is one of the possible candidates being considered by the Football Association to be put forward for Europe’s British FIFA vice-presidency.

The formal role is being scrapped next year but European federation UEFA has agreed that one of its vice-presidencies on the world governing body’ executive committee would be allocated to a representative from the four home nations.

Northern Ireland’s Jim Boyce will stand down next May at FIFA Congress when his term comes to an end.

The obvious candidate, FA vice-chairman David Gill, has ruled himself out so a shortlist of possible contenders is being drawn up. Reportedly it includes QPR defender Ferdinand and former players Graeme Le Saux and Paul Elliott.

Scotland’s candidate is likely to be SFA president Campbell Ogilivie and with FAW president Trefor Lloyd Hughes standing for WAles.

The FAW had believed a gentleman’s agreement would let it hold the post for the next four years but any rotation deal was scrapped when FIFA reforms meant the vice-presidency had to be voted on by all UEFA member nations rather than just the four home associations.

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