Platini on the verge of disqualification from FIFA race

November 18

23:14 2015

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Except he wins on appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), UEFA president Michel Platini may fall out of the FIFA presidential race in February 2016.

Platini and the suspended FIFA president Sepp Blatter have lost their appeals against provisional 90-day bans by the global soccer body’s ethics committee, FIFA said on Wednesday, Reuters reports.

Blatter and Platini, who had been favourite to take over in the FIFA presidential election, were suspended on Oct. 8, engulfed by a deepening corruption scandal as the sport faces criminal investigations in Switzerland and the United States.

The decision by the FIFA appeal committee, which rejected the appeals “in full”, was a further blow to Frenchman Platini’s hopes of standing on Feb. 26. The electoral committee has said his registration will not be processed while he is suspended.

The former France captain and coach, who is not allowed to campaign or engage in any football-related activities until his suspension is lifted, said he would appeal to CAS.

“Michel Platini has full confidence that the CAS will restore all his rights,” said a statement issued by his spokesman.

“Meanwhile, he remains a composed and determined candidate for the FIFA presidency.

“The decision comes as no surprise. It confirms that FIFA, through its internal bodies, is conducting a one-sided, unfair and biased investigation against Michel Platini, repeatedly violating his right to defend himself.”

If Platini wins his appeal at the CAS, the electoral committee has said it would review his case but there is no guarantee he would be able to stand in the election as it would depend on the timing.

Blatter said in a statement issued by his U.S. lawyer he was “disappointed” by the decision and would appeal “and looks forward to the opportunity to be heard, including through the presentation of evidence and argument of counsel, and thereby demonstrate he has engaged in no misconduct.”

Both statements complained that the Appeal Committee took more than two weeks to announce its decision.