Michel Platini ‘still determined’ to run for FIFA presidency
UEFA head Michel Platini says that he is “still determined” to run for FIFA presidency despite his own ties to a corruption probe linked to current FIFA President Sepp Blatter and a “disloyal payment” made to Platini, according to the Agence France-Presse.
"There is no doubt about my integrity. I have done nothing wrong. That is why I have made myself fully available to cooperate with the relevant bodies and authorities to clarify whatever may be necessary," Platini told the AFP.
A Swiss attorney general said Platini is being treated “between being witness and an accused person.”
Platini announced his intentions to run for FIFA president on July 28.
FIFA’s executive committee has set Feb. 26, 2016 as the date for a vote to replace Blatter, and candidates have until Oct. 26 to be nominated by five national federations. A two-thirds majority is required in the first round of voting to win the election. If that fails, then a simple majority is required.
On Monday, Blatter told his staff that he planned on remaining FIFA president until February's election despite the investigation. Blatter was re-elected for a fifth presidential term at FIFA's congress in May, before announcing that he would stand down from his post in early 2016.
• FIFA bans former vice president Jack Warner for life
- Christopher Chavez
