Michel Platini has launched his campaign to succeed Sepp Blatter as FIFA president, aiming to give the scandal-hit governing body “the dignity and the position it deserves.”
Platini, the UEFA president and a FIFA vice president, wrote to member federations in Europe on Wednesday saying he will stand in the election and is counting on their support.
The FIFA election is on February 26 and candidates must apply by October 26. “There are times in life when you’ve to take your destiny into your own hands,” wrote Platini, who turned 60 last month. “I’m at one of those decisive moments, at a juncture in my life and in events that are shaping the future of FIFA.”
Platini has for years been the obvious candidate to succeed Blatter, his mentor in FIFA politics. But a rift between the long-time allies deepened when Blatter broke a promise to leave office in 2015.
The former France great chose last year not to oppose Blatter, who won a fifth presidential term on May 29. Four days later, Blatter announced his resignation plans under pressure from American and Swiss investigations of corruption implicating FIFA.
Platini, who has not been linked to any wrongdoing in the two federal cases, has been criticized for voting for Qatar as 2022 World Cup host, after seeming to be pressured by then-president of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, ahead of the December 2010 ballot. In his letter on Wednesday, Platini said he wanted a FIFA that’s “exemplary ... that’s respected, liked and of the people.”
Platini chose to run after getting encouragement from some of his fellow FIFA vice presidents last week in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Five of the six confederation leaders, including Platini, were there for the 2018 World Cup qualifying draw with only the North American regional body missing.
Platini then traveled to Philadelphia for the Gold Cup final on Sunday, and briefed CONCACAF leaders on his plans. They included FIFA executive committee colleague Sunil Gulati, the US Soccer Federation president.
The US body was among the five FIFA members which nominated Prince Ali bin al-Hussein to challenge Blatter two months ago. The Jordanian prince was publicly supported by Platini but Blatter had pockets of support across Europe in a 133-73 victory.
Platini met the prince in the south of France last week and discussed the FIFA election. On Wednesday, Prince Ali said Platini was “not good for FIFA.” “FIFA is engulfed in scandal,” the prince said in a statement. “We must stop doing business as usual. The practice of back-room, under-the-table deals must end.”
Prince Ali, whose FIFA vice presidency expired on May 29, said he would talk with FIFA member federations “in the coming week.” “What’s clear is that FIFA needs new, independent leadership, untainted by the practices of the past,” said Prince Ali, who was maneuvered out of his FIFA seat by Asian soccer leaders after a single four-year term.
Platini isn’t the first would-be candidate to launch a formal bid but is the most serious contender in the contest so far.
Another former FIFA vice president, Chung Mong-joon of South Korea, has suggested he will run after stating last week that he doubted Platini was serious about wanting the job. Former Brazil great Zico and liberia federation president Musa Bility have said they want to seek the five nominations required to be a candidate.
Diego Maradona also said he wants the FIFA job, although he is unlikely to be taken seriously.