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International Football

UEFA Remains Behind Michel Platini Amid Growing Concerns

UEFA "offered qualified support" for President Michel Platini "after discussing contingency plans at two stormy emergency meetings," according to Oliver Kay of the LONDON TIMES. UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino announced at a press conference that the 54 European FAs were unanimous in support of Platini’s "right to a due process and a fair trial and to the opportunity to clear his name" after he was suspended from all football activities for 90 days by FIFA last week. UEFA urged FIFA’s ethics committee -- and, ultimately, if required, the Court of Arbitration for Sport -- "to reach a decision on Platini’s case by mid-November." In the meantime, the European body expects FIFA "to allow him to remain a candidate for their presidential election even if his suspension is still in place." In Platini’s absence, "his lawyers outlined his case" at both of Thursday's meetings, but several members -- including, it is believed, David Gill and Wolfgang Niersbach, the English and German representatives, respectively, expressed concerns about the lack of written assurances relating to the origin of the £1.35M payment from FIFA. As a result, UEFA "was unable to offer unequivocal support" to Platini’s FIFA presidential bid. Significantly, Infantino said that "of course, there was a discussion about, 'What if?'" reflecting the eagerness of some on the exec committee to explore other options in case Platini does not succeed in clearing his name. Infantino said that "such matters would be discussed with other confederations" around the FIFA exec committee meeting in Zurich next week (LONDON TIMES, 10/15). The BBC reported outside the meeting, reporters were told by Austrian Football Federation (ÖFB) President Leo Windtner that all 54 member nations "fully support" their president. However, one UEFA source said there was a clear split between those members who continue to back Platini and those who want "to consider a plan B." Dutch FA (KNVB) President Michael Van Praag "is being considered as an alternative candidate to Platini by some member associations" that could hold a meeting on Monday or Tuesday to discuss that option. Asked about the payment and his future, before Thursday's emergency meeting, Platini "refused to comment" (BBC, 10/15).

NOT 'CREDIBLE': IANS reported Brazilian football legend Romario, currently a senator in his country, said none of the current candidates for the presidency of FIFA is "credible," noting that Platini "has collaborated for many years with the mafia that was in the world football governing body." Romario: "Platini worked for many years with the mafia in FIFA. I'm not saying he is corrupt, but he has been affected by the system" (IANS, 10/15).

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