KEIR RADNEDGE REPORTS: Debbie Hewitt, first female leader of the Football Association, wants to extend her influence into the governing council of world federation FIFA.

The role of British vice-president, once a stand-alone role and now secured via European body UEFA, was taken by Northern Ireland’s David Martin in 2020.

He stepped up after the resignation of England’s Greg Clarke and is standing again.

An FA spokesperson said: “International football is a strategic priority for the FA. Debbie Hewitt is standing for the position of UEFA British vice-president in the FIFA Council with the full support of the FA Board.“

England’s political ride within FIFA has been a bumpy one down the years.

Other UEFA elections set for the annual congress on April 5 in Lisbon include:

President: Aleksander Ceferin unopposed;

FIFA vice-president: Sandor Csanyi standing for re-election, challenged by Ari Lahti (Finland);

FIFA Council membership (four- year term): Noel Le Graet (France) standing for re-election, challenged by Fernando Gomes (Portugal).

FIFA Council membership (two-year term): Bernd Neuendorf (Germany).

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