Platini to fight suspension as UEFA showdown with FIFA looms

FIFA are on a collision course with UEFA over the 90 day suspension of Michel Platini.

The sanction from the ruling body of the game prevents the UEFA president from any football activity and clearly covers his role with the European union.

Platini’s hopes of succeeding Sepp Blatter have been killed off but the Frenchman is determined to hang on to his position of power within UEFA.

Reacting to his suspension he issued a statement saying: “Early this afternoon, I was informed of the FIFA Ethics Committee’s decision to impose on me a provisional 90-day suspension with immediate effect.

“That decision, which I will of course contest in the appropriate manner at the appropriate time, had already been the subject of a deliberate leak, and I gave my opinion on that earlier in the day.

“I reject all of the allegations that have been made against me, which are based on mere semblances and are astonishingly vague.

“Indeed, the wording of those allegations merely states that a breach of the FIFA Code of Ethics ‘seems to have been committed’ and that a decision on the substance of the matter cannot be taken immediately.

“Despite the farcical nature of these events, I refuse to believe that this is a political decision taken in haste in order to taint a lifelong devotee of the game or crush my candidacy for the FIFA presidency.

“I want everyone to know my state of mind: more than a sense of injustice or a desire for revenge, I am driven by a profound feeling of staunch defiance.

“I am more determined than ever to defend myself before the relevant judicial bodies.

“I want everyone to know my state of mind: more than a sense of injustice or a desire for revenge, I am driven by a profound feeling of staunch defiance. I am more determined than ever to defend myself before the relevant judicial bodies.

I want to reiterate in the strongest possible terms that I will devote myself to ensuring that my good faith prevails.

“I have received numerous messages of support today from UEFA’s member associations and the other confederations encouraging me to continue my work serving football’s interests. Nothing will make me give up on that commitment.”