Fifa committee upholds ban against Blatter and Platini

ZURICH: Suspended Fifa president Sepp Blatter and European football chief Michel Platini had lost their appeals against provisional 90-day bans by the global football body’s ethics committee, Fifa said yesterday.

Blatter and Platini, who had been favourite to take over in February’s Fifa presidential election, were suspended on October 8, engulfed by a deepening corruption scandal as the sport faces criminal investigations in Switzerland and the US.

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Fifa Appeal Committee, which rejected the appeals “in full”, was a further blow to Frenchman Platini’s hopes of standing on February 26 because the electoral committee has said his registration will not be processed while he is suspended.

The former France captain and coach, who is not allowed to campaign or engage in any football-related activities until his suspension is lifted, said he would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the next step in the process.

“Michel Platini has full confidence that CAS will restore all his rights,” his spokesman said. “Meanwhile, he remains a composed and determined candidate for the Fifa presidency.

“The decision comes as no surprise. It was expected by Michel Platini and his lawyers,” the spokesman added.

“It confirms that Fifa, through its internal bodies, is conducting a one-sided, unfair and biased investigation against Michel Platini, repeatedly violating his right to defend himself.

“Despite his repeated requests, at no time has Michel Platini been able to put his case to the judges, which is simply outrageous.”

If Platini wins his appeal at CAS, the electoral committee has said it would review his case but, even then, there is no guarantee that he would be able to stand in the election as it would depend on the timing.

Blatter also faces criminal investigation in Switzerland over a 2 million Swiss franc (R28 million) payment from Fifa to Platini. Both men have denied wrongdoing. – Reuters