Platini confirms he will stand for FIFA presidency

Michel Platini has confirmed he will be a candidate to be the next president of football’s governing body FIFA.

The 60-year-old UAFA president has received indications of support from four continental confederations.

The election takes place on February 26, with Sepp Blatter standing down after being at the helms for 17 years.

In a letter sent to the presidents and general secretaries of the 209 member associations of world football’s governing body, Platini pledged he would work tirelessly “in the interests of football”.

“There are times in life when you have to take your destiny into your own hands,” he said. “I am at one of those decisive moments, at a juncture in my life and in events that are shaping the future of FIFA.

“During this last half-century or so, FIFA has only had two presidents. This extreme stability is something of a paradox in a world that has experienced radical upheavals and in a sport that has undergone considerable economic change.

“However, recent events force the supreme governing body of world football to turn over a new leaf and rethink its governance.

He said he was standing as a candidate “with enthusiasm and conviction, but also with the humility of someone who knows that he cannot succeed on his own”.

“I am counting on your support and our common love of football so that, together, we can give the tens of millions of football fans the FIFA that they want: a FIFA that is exemplary united and shows solidarity, a FIFA that is respected, liked and of the people.”

The election will be held in Zurich at an emergency congress attended by the FIFA member associations.