By Andrew Warshaw
June 3 – No more World Cup boycott threats. No more breaking away from FIFA. Or so it seems. UEFA have cancelled a proposed emergency meeting of their top brass scheduled for Saturday in the wake of Sepp Blatter’s resignation.
The Europeans were due to meet on the sidelines of the Champions League final at the request of Michel Platini but the seismic shock of Blatter’s decision has negated the need for any concerted action against the veteran Swiss.
“It is with great concern that I, like most football fans around the world, have been following the daily developments regarding the investigations pertaining to FIFA corruption matters,” said Platini in a statement.
“Due to yesterday’s announcement and the uncertain and unpredictable nature of the investigations, I have decided that it would be more appropriate to postpone the meeting that was announced last week, and which could have taken place in Berlin this weekend.”
“Considering new information is revealed every day, I believe it is wiser to take time to assess the situation, so together we can take a position on this issue.
“There will be other opportunities for us to meet in the coming weeks and by then hopefully more light will have been shed on this matter. During the weekend in Berlin, we will aim to focus our attention on one of many great occasions at UEFA, the UEFA Champions League final.”
Meanwhile England’s David Gill, who vowed not to take up his new role as FIFA vice-president while Blatter was still in charge, appears to have changed his mind.
“Naturally, I fully welcome today’s news as a major step forward for FIFA on the road to proper reform,” said Gill. “As I announced following the election at FIFA Congress, I simply could not countenance serving on the FIFA Executive Committee alongside Mr Blatter. I respect his decision but am pleased he is standing aside and by the clear determination for real change within FIFA. This in turn allows me to reconsider my position.
“Having yet to confirm formally my resignation, I am more than willing to play my part in helping to bring about a positive future for FIFA and to work with the many people within the organisation who are only committed to developing and promoting the game around the world. I will speak to my UEFA colleagues as soon as possible about the next steps and make no further comment until then.”
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