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FIFA Ethics Committee Says Michel Platini Complaints 'Not Valid'

FIFA's ethics committee has rejected criticism from UEFA President Michel Platini over the manner of his suspension, saying the argument that he was not allowed to defend himself is "not valid," according to Brian Homewood of REUTERS. Platini was suspended for 90 days on Thursday along with FIFA President Sepp Blatter pending a "full investigation against them." Platini, a candidate for the FIFA presidential election due to be held in February, described the allegations against him as "based on mere semblances" and "astonishingly vague." The Frenchman said he had been willing to "cooperate fully with the authorities carrying out various enquiries in compliance with the strictest procedural rules which, he said, FIFA had flouted." A statement issued on behalf of FIFA ethics judge Hans-Joachim Eckert rejected suggestions that Platini "had not been fairly treated." The statement said, "The argument put forward by Michel Platini's lawyers that their client had not had the possibility to defend himself before the adjudicatory chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee before his suspension is not valid" (REUTERS, 10/12). In London, Sarah Ebner reported it is the "second time in the space of four days that the ethics committee has been forced to defend itself" after being similarly criticized by Blatter over the suspension handed to him. Blatter claimed last week that he had also "not been given time to defend himself before being suspended." Last week the N.Y. Times reported that it had obtained a copy of the 79-year-old's appeal against the suspension, in which the Swiss objected to "brusque and unfair" treatment. However, as with Platini, the ethics committee "hit back, saying that Blatter had been given ample opportunity to defend himself." Ethics committee spokesperson Andreas Bantel said, "He had all his rights, including explaining himself in all necessary details. And with his lawyer" (LONDON TIMES, 10/12).

LAST STRAW: The AP reported a person familiar with the FIFA ethics case said that the "lack of a written contract and a delay collecting payment" led to the 90-day suspensions for Blatter and Platini. Both Blatter and Platini face longer bans if the FIFA ethics committee "proves its case" to Eckert. The full verdicts are expected before the 90-day suspensions end. Contractually, Platini was to be paid 300,000 Swiss francs per year for his job. He claims an additional 500,000 Swiss francs per year "was to be deferred." According to the person, "there was only a verbal agreement" on the additional 500,000 Swiss francs per year -- the amount eventually paid in '11. Under Swiss law, Platini "should have called in the debt within five years" (AP, 10/12).

MAKUDI SUSPENDED: The London GUARDIAN reported FIFA's ethics committee said on Monday that former FIFA exec committee member Worawi Makudi has been suspended for 90 days "pending a full investigation." The ethics committee said in a statement, "The decision was taken ... on the grounds that a breach of the Code of Ethics appears to have been committed and a decision on the main issue may not be taken early enough." Details of the allegations "were not provided" in Monday's statement but Worawi "has been under investigation for his conduct during the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding contests" (GUARDIAN, 10/12).

NEW CANDIDATE: REUTERS' Brian Homewood reported former FIFA Secretary-General Michel Zen Ruffinen "has been asked to stand for the presidency" of football's governing body and "is studying the situation." Zen Ruffinen: "I am simply studying the situation following some requests that I have received to (be a) candidate for the position. I will monitor the situation, see how it develops in the next days and check the feasibility (to see) if it makes sense." Zen Ruffinen, a former referee, "did not say who had suggested he stand." He served as FIFA's secretary general from '98-02 and "left after falling out with" Blatter (REUTERS, 10/12).

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