UEFA President, Michel Platini |
UEFA president Michel Platini has
promised to restore “dignity” at world football’s governing body after
he announced his intention to replace Sepp Blatter as FIFA president.
In a letter sent to all 209 associations on Wednesday, obtained in full by Sky Sports, Platini has called for urgent reform as FIFA face two criminal investigations into alleged corruption.
“Recent events force the supreme governing body of world football to turn over a new leaf and rethink its governance,” he wrote.
It is understood Platini telephoned Blatter, and other football leaders, before his declaration was made public.
“In the last few months, I have defended
my ideas and proposals to give FIFA back the dignity and the position
it deserves,” said Platini. “I will not shy away from doing so. During
this last half-century or so, FIFA has only had two presidents.
“This
extreme stability is something of a paradox in a world that has
experienced radical upheavals and in a sport that has undergone
considerable economic change.
“As the president of UEFA, I have
brought Europe together on a unifying path. I intend to bring all the
confederations together, with one goal in mind: to bring the world of
football together, listening to everyone and respecting the diversity of
the game around the world.”
Platini is believed to have secured
support of the majority of leaders in world football, understood to
include influential backers in the Asian football confederation.
“I am counting on your support and our
common love of football so that, together, we can give the tens of
millions of football fans the FIFA that they want: a FIFA that is
exemplary, united and shows solidarity, a FIFA that is respected, liked
and of the people,” Platini ended the letter, before he added, “I will
work tirelessly in the interests of football.”
The FIFA presidential election will take place on 26 February.
Platini’s rivals have until October 26
to submit their application to FIFA’s ad-hoc electoral committee, along
with the written support of at least five associations.
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