Dyke backs Platini quest to succeed Blatter
EUROPEAN football chief Michel Platini has vowed to make Fifa liked and respected after confirming his ambition to succeed Sepp Blatter as president of football’s embattled world governing body.
The Uefa head and former France captain and coach, 60, announced his candidacy for February’s elections in a letter to Fifa’s 209 member associations.
“We can give football fans the Fifa they want: a Fifa that is exemplary, united and shows solidarity, a Fifa that is respected, liked and of the people,” he wrote.
Football Association chairman Greg Dyke pledged his support for Platini, who has been on Fifa’s executive committee since 2002, but he came under fire from rival Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan, who called for someone “untainted from the practices of the past”.
Blatter signalled his intention to step down in June, just days after being elected for a fifth four-year term, amid a flurry of arrests at Fifa in connection with corruption investigations.
WOULD-BE FIFA PRESIDENT ON KEY ISSUES
Voting for Qatar 2022 World Cup
“I have no regrets at all. I think it was the right choice for Fifa and world football.” June 2014
Financial fair play rules
“Go and talk to Mr Obama. Go and talk to the Pope. They understand FFP. ”
August 2013
Goal-line technology
“I prefer that we have more referees. We don’t need the perfect camera to see the ball.” March 2014
Expanding the World Cup
“I totally agree with Mr Blatter that we need more African and Asian [countries]. We have to go to 40 teams.” October 2013