Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
Suspended Uefa president Michel Platini says he will not stand in the Fifa presidential election next month.
Platini, along with Fifa president Sepp Blatter, has been banned from football-related activities for eight years by world football’s governing body.
Both men were found guilty of breaches surrounding a £1.3m ($2m) “disloyal payment” made to Platini in 2011.
They are appealing against their bans, but Platini says the timing of the 26 February election means he cannot run.
“I’m withdrawing from the race for Fifa presidency,” Platini told the Associated Press.
“The timing is not good for me. I don’t have the means to fight on equal terms with the other candidates.
“I have not been given the chance to play the game. Bye bye Fifa, bye bye Fifa presidency.”
Editor’s Note: That spells the end of Michel Platini’s chances of being FIFA President. You would probabaly say good riddance but is it a case of better the devil you know? It will be interesting to see who UEFA and especially The F.A. now but their support behind, there certainly doesn’t seem to be a stand out candidate at the moment and I expect the decision will come pretty late.
As for Platini, well he can’t even go to Euro 2016 unless he buys a ticket through the every day channels like you and I. I guess that’s the equivalent of turning 18 and not being invited to your own birthday party. Then again he’s had his hands in the trough for so long, I doubt anyone will be shedding too many tears. Sacre Bleu!
