Fansided

Michel Platini will not run in FIFA election

By Andrew Dowdeswell

Nov 1, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Soccer balls rest on the field prior to the game between D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Soccer balls rest on the field prior to the game between D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Michel Platini will not run for the FIFA presidency after he was banned from football for eight years due to corruption charges.

These are sad times for football. Corruption is the name of the game, and has been for several years now, FIFA president Sepp Blatter has consistently been scrutinized for his integrity throughout his tenure as president, and in the last few months, the investigations culminated in him standing down as FIFA president, and being banned from football for eight years.

His partner in crime, UEFA president Michel Platini has also been criticized for his involvement in such corrupt behavior. The two were ultimately found guilty of £1.3 million payment made in 2011, described as “disloyal”, and this is what led to the eight year ban. Platini and Blatter are appealing the charges, however, such is the timing of the FIFA election, 26th February, that Platini says he cannot run.

Speaking to the Associated Press, Platini said:

"“I’m withdrawing from the race for Fifa presidency. The timing is not good for me. I don’t have the means to fight on equal terms with the other candidates. I have not been given the chance to play the game. Bye bye Fifa, bye bye Fifa presidency.”"

This is a sad development in a sad situation. The world governing body of football is corrupt, dishonest and selfish, and unfortunately, it ruins football for the rest of us. The beautiful game has been tarnished. Hopefully now, a new breed of leaders can restore it to its former glory. Goodbye Sepp Blatter and goodbye Michel Platini.

Home/Soccer