FIFA President Sepp Blatter received "muted applause" from UEFA delegates after he gave a low-key speech at the opening of its congress on Tuesday, which included a "less-than-subtle call for unity" ahead of May's FIFA presidential elections, according to Mike Collett of REUTERS. Most European delegates, including UEFA President Michel Platini, are "against Blatter winning a fifth term of office" as the head of world football's governing body, "openly backing the men standing against him." Blatter called on them to "show unity and solidarity," which he claimed were the "foundation stones of football's popularity around the world." He also referred to a recent call from Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko for countries to boycott the World Cup in Russia in '18 because of the ongoing conflict between the two nations, saying boycotts "never achieved anything and sport should lead by example and retain its autonomy in a world of conflict." Blatter: "Football is a symbol of unity. I am convinced that more than ever the hope of mankind rests not only on the slogans of FIFA but also on peace and solidarity" (REUTERS, 3/24). The BBC reported Platini "warned of a return to hooliganism's 'dark days'" as he was re-elected unopposed for a third term as president of UEFA. The Frenchman said there was a "rising trend of 'nationalism and extremism' being observed in stadiums." He reiterated calls for a European sports police force to "avoid events witnessed in the 'not-so-distant past.'" Platini said UEFA "has been 'left to fend for ourselves somewhat' to combat 'battles that can only be won with the help of the public authorities'" (BBC, 3/24).
WORDS WELL SPOKEN: In London, Martyn Ziegler reported Platini "insisted" that UEFA does not support Blatter standing for a fifth term as FIFA president but used his acceptance speech to say people are "trying to turn the rest of the world against UEFA." Platini: "This means more to me than you can possibly imagine. I know I can count on you, and you know that you can count on me. This allows me to continue for another four years. I do want to say that we love FIFA deeply, and it's precisely because we love and respect FIFA that we want it to be perfect" (INDEPENDENT, 3/24). In a separate piece, Collett reported looking at Blatter sitting in the front row, Platini said, "However, you should know we are willing to work with you, hand in hand, for the good of world football, for the good of the 209 national associations worldwide and for the good of FIFA." On the presidential vote to be held at FIFA's Congress, he added, "Whatever the result of the elections on May 29 we will (still) work together. I am convinced of it" (REUTERS, 3/24). REUTERS' Brian Homewood reported UEFA "agreed in principle" to give seats on its exec committee to stakeholders such as players, clubs or professional football leagues on Tuesday. Platini: "We are an organization that is moving forward and lives with the times. It's a decision that will show that UEFA is a democratic, open organization and that good governance is our everyday bread" (REUTERS, 3/24).
