By Andrew Warshaw
March 25 – Michel Platini’s reign as UEFA President is almost certain to last at least another five years after announcing he would be standing for a second term of office.
As predicted yesterday by insideworldfootball, Platini confirmed he wanted to carry on running European football when elections are held next year, ending any chance of him taking on Sepp Blatter for the Presidency of FIFA.
“There is more work to do in the future,” Platini told delegates at the UEFA Congress in Tel Aviv, not least the new financial fair play system outlined a year ago.
Platini wants clubs in European competitions to only spend what they earn.
“I told you that it was vital for football and the future of our clubs that they should respect clear rules on the management of their finances,” he told UEFA’s 53 member nations.
“I told you, word for word, that in this area we will act because it is a question of ethics, a question of credibility and even a question of survival for our sport. I can tell you today that we have acted.
“All the families of football, without exception, have approved our concept and the principles of financial fair play.
“Principles that are supported and encouraged by the institutions of the European Union.”
He then reminded Europe exactly what this would entail.
“It is now established that, from the 2012/13 season, clubs participating in European competitions will have to follow a simple but demanding rule: they will not be allowed to spend more than they earn.”
Platini’s reforms may not be popular with some of Europe’s leading clubs but his popularity within his confederation is immense.
Giving smaller nations a chance to make a name for themselves - in other words taking the game back to the fans - has been particularly well received as has the work of the European Clubs Association (ECA), a grouping of more than 100 clubs – large, medium and small – that replaced the elitist G14.
Platini has made no secret of his determination to tackle the huge debts prevalent in European football and his man of the people image has gone down well with UEFA federations.
Nevertheless, he made it clear in Tel Aviv that all was not well with plans to stage the Euro 2012 finals in Poland and Ukraine, appealing to the two associations, wracked by political and economic instability, to get their respective houses in order.
“It is imperative that you steer a steady course as you approach the final straight,” Platini said.
“Remember in only 27 months the eyes of the whole world will be on you.
“So don’t take your foot off the pedal, but step up your efforts.”
Platini also denounced the practise of illegal betting which he described as “the greatest danger” faced by the game, “the one that can kill football”.
“The cheats now know that they are being hunted down and watched and that when they are caught, and believe me they will be,” he said.
“They will face disciplinary sanctions that could lead to lifetime bans from football.
“Coaches, directors, players and referees must help us in this fight.
“We are operating a zero tolerance policy and we will continue to do so until the very end.”
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734801002labto1734801002ofdlr1734801002owedi1734801002sni@w1734801002ahsra1734801002w.wer1734801002dna1734801002">zib.l1734801002labto1734801002ofdlr1734801002owedi1734801002sni@w1734801002ahsra1734801002w.wer1734801002dna1734801002
Related stories
March 2010: Platini debates whether to stand again
March 2010: Platini may make announcement on future next week
January 2010: Platini to decide whether to stay on as UEFA President before World Cup