As reported by AS in the last few days, UEFA president Michel Platini has today announced his intention to stand in the FIFA presidential elections, to be held on February 26, 2016. The deadline for nominations ends on October 26 of this year and Sepp Blatter, beset by corruption scandals, will not look for re-election. “There are times in life when you have to take your destiny into your own hands,” Platini told UEFA.com. "I am at one of those decisive moments.”
In a letter to the presidents and general secretaries of the 209 member associations of world football’s governing body, as published on UEFA’s website, the Frenchman said: “This was a very personal, carefully considered decision, one in which I weighed up the future of football alongside my own future.”
“I was also guided by the esteem, support and encouragement that many of you have shown me,” he continued. “There are times in life when you have to take your destiny into your own hands. I am at one of those decisive moments, at a juncture in my life and in events that are shaping the future of FIFA.”
“During this last half-century or so, FIFA has only had two presidents,” said Platini. “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. However, recent events force the supreme governing body of world football to turn over a new leaf and rethink its governance.”
The UEFA President, 60, said that in recent months he had defended his ideas and proposals "to give FIFA back the dignity and the position it deserves.” He highlighted the desire to unite world football by bringing the continental confederations together and offering all national associations a common cause – “listening to everyone and respecting the diversity of the game around the world.”
Platini says he is standing as a candidate “with enthusiasm and conviction, but also with the humility of someone who knows that he cannot achieve on his own.” He added: “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.”