Platini to stand for FIFA president

UEFA boss Michel Platini is to stand as a candidate for the presidency of world football’s governing body, FIFA, UEFA announced yesterday.

Platini officially announced his candidature in a letter to the presidents and general secretaries of the 209 FIFA member countries, and made public by UEFA.

“This was a very personal, carefully considered decision, one in which I weighed up the future of football alongside my own future,” he said.

“I was also guided by the esteem, support and encouragement that many of you have shown me.”

He promised to work tirelessly “in the interests of football. There are times in life when you have to take your destiny into your own hands,” he said.

“I am at one of those decisive moments, at a juncture in my life and in events that are shaping the future of FIFA.”

Former Brazil star Zico lacks any experience of international football administration while Liberian FA chief Musa Bility is unknown outside of Africa and Diego Maradona, who has declared an interest in standing, is unlikely to be a serious contender.

Jordanian Prince Ali, who took on Blatter in May’s vote, got much of his support from UEFA members and so would be likely to give his backing to Platini rather than stand against him. – AFP