Platini wins 3rd term as UEFA prez
25 March 2015 12:49 AM GMT
The former France international, who has been president since 2007, was handed another four-year term by delegates of the 54-member nations after standing unopposed. UEFA and FIFA have been at loggerheads for years and European soccer’s ruling body is supporting the three candidates standing against incumbent Sepp Blatter in the FIFA presidential elections in May.
Platini, whose re-election means he continues as a FIFA vice-president for the next four years, said: “Europe’s entire football community loves FIFA dearly. It is precisely because we love and respect it that we want it to be perfect. We also work together on key issues. We at UEFA will always be there on the front line when it comes to defending national associations’ autonomy in the face of external interference. Similarly we are always ready and willing to strengthen and coordinate development programmes. It seems we will be working together for another few years so I want to tell you something ... do not believe everything you hear.”
“We Europeans want a strong FIFA, a FIFA that is respectable and respected, since FIFA is and always will be football’s supreme authority, the sport’s ultimate governing body. Certain people are perhaps trying to turn us against each other, seeking to divide and rule. They are trying to isolate the supposedly arrogant and selfish Europeans, again, do not believe everything you hear. Yes, we know we are in a privileged position. Yes, we know we make mistakes and are not necessarily any better than anyone else,” he added. Looking at Blatter sitting in the front row, Platini said: “However, you should know we are willing to work with you, hand in hand, for the good of world football.”
Platini, whose re-election means he continues as a FIFA vice-president for the next four years, said: “Europe’s entire football community loves FIFA dearly. It is precisely because we love and respect it that we want it to be perfect. We also work together on key issues. We at UEFA will always be there on the front line when it comes to defending national associations’ autonomy in the face of external interference. Similarly we are always ready and willing to strengthen and coordinate development programmes. It seems we will be working together for another few years so I want to tell you something ... do not believe everything you hear.”
“We Europeans want a strong FIFA, a FIFA that is respectable and respected, since FIFA is and always will be football’s supreme authority, the sport’s ultimate governing body. Certain people are perhaps trying to turn us against each other, seeking to divide and rule. They are trying to isolate the supposedly arrogant and selfish Europeans, again, do not believe everything you hear. Yes, we know we are in a privileged position. Yes, we know we make mistakes and are not necessarily any better than anyone else,” he added. Looking at Blatter sitting in the front row, Platini said: “However, you should know we are willing to work with you, hand in hand, for the good of world football.”
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