UEFA President and former Juventus midfielder Michel Platini says Sepp Blatter being re-elected would be bad for FIFA.
World football’s governing body is holding elections this week, with Blatter almost certain to be returned, with only Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein opposing him.
“My position is, as I’ve said many times, that FIFA needs a new leader,” Platini revealed in an interview with l’Equipe.
UEFA President and former Juventus midfielder Michel Platini says Sepp Blatter being re-elected would be bad for FIFA.
World football’s governing body is holding elections this week, with Blatter almost certain to be returned, with only Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein opposing him.
“My position is, as I’ve said many times, that FIFA needs a new leader,” Platini revealed in an interview with l’Equipe.
“I have nothing against Sepp, he’s a man I like privately, and I respect him. I’ve also supported him in the past, I helped a lot for his first election in 1998, and the three elections which followed.
“We’ve had great moments together that nothing and no-one can take away. He did good things, and made good decisions, sometimes in very difficult situations.
“These are the reasons I’d never personally attack him. I’m just saying that at some point you how to bow out, and not try to hold onto the throne at any cost.
“This is what Sepp said about Lennart Johansson in 2007, when I ran against him for the UEFA Presidency.
“He doesn’t have to lie [about why he’s trying to be re-elected]. We all know it’s not because he hasn’t finished his mission or that he has big plans for FIFA.
“After 40 years at the top of an institution, that kind of talk is just not credible.
“He’s simply afraid of tomorrow, because he’s dedicated his life to FIFA, so much so that now he completely identifies himself with it.
“I understand the fear that he must have, that’s only human, but if he really loves FIFA then he should think about it before thinking about himself.
“While he remains in place, whether he likes it or not, whether it’s fair or not, FIFA will will lack credibility, and therefore authority.”
The former French international then threw his backing behind Blatter’s challenger.
“I don’t have the right to vote in this election, but personally I’m backing Prince Ali.
“I’m convinced that Ali, who I’ve known for many years, would make a great FIFA President. He has all the right qualities.
“He has a passion for football in his bones, and that’s essential.
“He’s President of his national federation, he was a member of the executive committee of his confederation, and was vice-President of FIFA.
“He knows the workings of these institutions, but hasn’t had the time to be crushed or corrupted by them.
“He has resisted, because he has great freedom of mind and independence, and that’s one of his strengths.”