Platini's Euro 2016 Plan Coming Together As He Faces Possible Suspension

UEFA President Michel Platini's "grand plan to open up the European championship finals to more countries than ever before is reaching its climax" just as he faces a possible suspension from football, according to Mike Collett of REUTERS. Platini "might be persona non grata" when his country hosts the 24-team finals next summer. He is facing an "uncertain future because of his alleged involvement" in a $2M payment from FIFA, which is being investigated by the Swiss authorities. Platini was a "strong advocate of expanding the finals from 16 to 24 teams despite widespread opposition from many critics" who feared the move would ruin what was regarded as the "perfect tournament." If "the qualifiers are anything to go by," the expanded finals could "take the Euros to new heights" as countries like Iceland, which have never been to a major tournament, and Wales, are virtually certain to qualify for one for the first time since '58, "bring a refreshing look to the old format" (REUTERS, 10/6).