• FIFA

Platini won't stand against Blatter

ESPNsoccernet staff
May 31, 2011
Michel Platini addresses the UEFA congress © Getty Images
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UEFA president Michael Platini says he will not stand against Sepp Blatter in the instance of the current FIFA president being delayed in his hunt for a fourth term by an abstention of member countries.

The English FA's initiative to gain the support of 153 other nations' associations looks doomed to failure and so Platini, widely expected to succeed Blatter in 2015, is prepared to wait until that date.

The Frenchman was evasive when asked by The Guardian about the wealth of scandals engulfing the world governing body.

"Scandals? I only know what I see in the newspapers and you work for the newspapers. You know more than me," said Platini. "I have been elected Uefa president. I have four more years. Can I do two jobs? I have only one tongue."

Blatter, who has remained defiant under growing pressure, spoke to a FIFA congress on Tuesday.

"I thought we were living in a world of fair play and respect and discipline, and I unfortunately see this is no longer the case because the famous FIFA pyramid is suddenly unstable and there is a danger," said Blatter, before Grace Jones performed her hits to the FIFA congress.

"Tomorrow I will speak to you on this danger that is lurking, and tell you how we can fight and work against this threat."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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