ABU DHABI — Emirati Mohammed Khalfan Al-Romaithi withdrew his candidacy for the Asian Football Confederation presidency on Thursday, paving the way for the reelection of Bahrain's Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa.

The pair said in a statement that they would work together for the "independence and transparency of the AFC".

Al-Romaithi announced he would run on March 7, promising change to Asian football's governing body, with the former police chief of Abu Dhabi quoted as saying at the time: "Asia deserves better."

His withdrawal leaves Sheikh Salman facing Qatar's Saud Al-Mohannadi in the election, which is due to be held on April 6. — AFP