Platini runs into storm after announcing FIFA candidacy

Agence France-Presse

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Platini runs into storm after announcing FIFA candidacy
UEFA boss Michel Platini's announcement to run for FIFA presidency was immediately met by attacks from two potential rivals

PARIS, France – UEFA boss Michel Platini announced he would stand for president of world football’s governing body FIFA on Wednesday, and immediately ran into a storm of criticism from two of his potential rivals.

Platini’s announcement ended weeks of speculation over whether the 60-year-old Frenchman would stand in the election to find a successor to the beleaguered Sepp Blatter.

But no sooner had he done so than Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, who enjoyed Platini and UEFA’s support when he lost in the previous vote in May to Blatter, turned on him and described him as “not good for football”. 

The Jordanian prince – who prior to the election had declared what an honor it was to be supported by Platini – said the former France playmaker was not the man to run the sport’s global affairs. 

“Platini is not good for FIFA. Football’s fans and players deserve better,” he said in a statement.

“FIFA is engulfed in scandal. We must stop doing business as usual. The practice of back-room, under-the-table deals must end.

“I believe that the voices of the individual Football Federations must be heard. In the coming week, I will be consulting with them about what is in the best interests of football.

“What is clear is that FIFA needs new, independent leadership, untainted by the practices of the past,” added Prince Ali.

It now appears the 39-year-old, who is the third son of King Hussein of Jordan, may be plotting a fresh campaign to run against Platini.  

Earlier in the day, Platini officially announced his candidacy 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.”

Blatter decided to stand down shortly after being re-elected as president in June with scandal-hit FIFA’s reputation in tatters. He announced last week that the election for his successor would be held on February 26, 2016.

Platini has positioned himself since just prior to last year’s World Cup as one of the most outspoken opponents to Blatter’s regime.

He publicly called for him to stand down after seven FIFA Executive Committee members were arrested on corruption allegations in raids in Switzerland prior to May’s election.

Blatter ignored those calls and was duly elected for a fifth term as president, only to announce his intention to stand down on June 2 as world football’s governing body became mired in scandal.

Baggage included

Platini has since emerged as one of the most likely heirs apparent and has the verbal support of four of the six confederations that make up FIFA, with the strongly pro-Blatter Confederation of African Football and that of Oceania the only exceptions.

Platini does not come without baggage having voted for Qatar in the controversial 2022 World Cup decision although he insists he did not bow to pressure from then French president Nicolas Sarkozy and the Emir of Qatar.

“The Arabic people, seven times they lose the World Cup,” he said on a visit to England last year.

“It was time to give them the World Cup. I am for that. It’s my conviction.”

However, the reasons for his voting for Qatar have been undermined by the fact his son is employed by a Qatari kit manufacturer – again he hotly denies this played a role.

For one of the most flamboyant players of his generation he is not quite so flashy when it comes to implementing reforms, he is a stubborn opponent of goal line technology for instance.

Indeed Liberia Football Association president Musa Bility, who is a declared candidate for the presidency, pointed this weakness out when he spoke to the BBC. 

“When did Platini start being vocal about reform? Has he ever done that in the Fifa board room?,” said the 48-year-old.

“Everything that we are trying to change today he has supported. Only now that he has declared his intention does he show some opposition to what has been before.

“Platini has been the one saying Blatter is no good, Blatter should leave, but meanwhile he was in a board-room with Blatter.

“Every decision that we are all decrying today – there is no record to show that Platini decided otherwise.

“Platini’s vote is right next to Blatter’s vote. Why should we replace Blatter? If you bring in Platini there’s no need to replace Blatter.”

Candidates have until October 26 – exactly 4 months before the vote – to come forward.

They must have the confirmed backing of at least five of FIFA’s 209 member nations, and be cleared by the world governing body’s ethics committee, to be able to stand.

Rappler.com

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