By Andrew Warshaw
December 27 – UEFA president Michel Platini (pictured) admits 2012 has thrown up considerable challenges for his organisation but insists he will continue to meet them head on to make sure he sets the correct standards for the game.
In the past few weeks, Platini has been confronted by fresh outbreaks of racism, has unveiled a unique pan-Continental blueprint for the 2020 European Championship and has witnessed the scourge of match-fixing. But, he says, when it comes to club versus country, the various stakeholders in the game are more united than ever.
“As we all know, not everything is rosy on ‘planet football’, but I am convinced that, together, we will remain ready to confront the dangers which may threaten the most beautiful game in the world,” said Platini in his Christmas and New Year message.
“An excellent year of UEFA activity is drawing to a close with the profound sense that we have accomplished our duties and met the challenges that came our way.”
“The conflicts of the past have given way to calm dialogue and peaceful consensus.”
“The associations, clubs, leagues and players have learned to reconcile their points of view in the interests of all. Dialogue
with supporters has entered a positive phase. We have also succeeded, in a difficult environment, in protecting football from the crisis afflicting the whole of Europe.
“Euro 2012, which was undermined for a long time by uncertainty and doubts, and the success of which was not a foregone conclusion, was a resounding triumph in the end, thanks to our commitment and perseverance.”
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