By Andrew Warshaw
October 16 – European football’s governing has urgently called for the investigation into Michel Platini to be cleared up by mid-November so that he can still run for FIFA president – but left the door open for a backup candidate to stand instead in case the UEFA chief’s 90-day provisional suspension turns into a longer ban.
At an eagerly awaited press conference following a emergency meeting of both UEFA’s executive committee and all its 54 member nations, UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino (pictured) said the whole European family had unanimously endorsed giving Platini time to clear his name over the infamous SFr2 million payment made to him by FIFA in 2011 but at the same time called on FIFA not to call off the February 26 election to replace Sepp Blatter when it meets next week.
“We support Michel Platini’s right to a due process and a fair trial and to the opportunity to clear his name,” said a UEFA statement. “We strongly call on all instances involved in the current process: FIFA’s ethics committee, FIFA’s appeal committee and ultimately the Court of Arbitration for Sport to work very rapidly to ensure that there is a final decision on the merits of the case by, at the latest, mid-November.”
One interpretation of why UEFA plucked that date out of the air is that another European candidate could declare by the October 26 deadline for nominations and then drop out after a few weeks if Platini remains eligible. Michael Van Praag, head of the Dutch FA who ran last time but pulled out just before the May ballot, is apparently being considered as an alternative.
Infantino told reporters that in any event, the February election “cannot and should not be delayed”.
“We need to have a final decision,” he said. “The rest is speculation, and condemnation without due process and it is a bit unfair.”
Platini, as suspended, could not attend today’s emergency session but has expressed outrage at what he claims is a deliberate ploy to railroad his candidacy. It has been widely reported, however, that no written contract exists for the SFr2 million payment that is at the centre of his suspension.
Infantino could not by law discuss any details or provide further insight into the payment but said Platini’s lawyer told delegates he deserved to be presumed innocent until found guilty. The lawyer apparently explained the background of the suspension and “all the facts about the working relationship between Mr Platini and Mr Blatter, including remuneration for work between 1998 and 2002,” Infantino said.
Before the hearing both the Dutch and Danish FAs said there had to be a proper explanation of what actually occurred in order for support for Platini to continue. It would appear they were convinced by what they heard. “Everyone supported Michel Platini,” said Infantino who repeatedly refused to comment on the circumstances of the payment even though it has still not been fully explained why it took nine years for Platini to receive the money.
“Everyone was of the opinion that we should give Michel Platini the chance to have a fair process. CAS is very able to decide within a month, they can actually do so within a few days, but to do that the parties need to agree they want a swift decision.”
Platini took the precaution of submitting his paperwork hours before being suspended last week. “Michel Platini is already a candidate for the FIFA presidency,” Infantino said, overlooking however the fact that the he would have go through a strict vetting procedure like all contenders.
FIFA investigators are not convinced there was a binding agreement between Platini and Blatter and Infantino admitted there were some dissenting voices.
“Of course there were some different opinions expressed but what everyone agreed on – whatever their general view – is that everyone supported Mr Platini as a person for all that he has done as UEFA president for European football in his career . . . as well as for the wish of not condemning anyone based on media articles. Mr Platini would have loved to have been here in person to tell those who have elected him his story. This is not very fair to some extent.”
“The truth, at the end, will be decided by an independent body recognised by all sports organisations in CAS. Everyone has the right to a fair trial.”
Infantino insisted there was no plan B but not everyone will be convinced. “If there is no decision by mid-November, we’ll see what happens,” he said suggesting another candidate might come forward in the next few days in case Platini’s appeals fail. “Obviously it’s unlikely we’ll have a final decision by October 26. What happens between now and then will be discussed. But I want to emphasise we need a quick final decision (over the suspension) to end all the speculation so we can turn the page. I’m sure UEFA’s reputation will not be affected at all by this.”
Infantino also clarified that although the meeting was chaired by Angel Villar llona as UEFA’s first vice-president, this did not mean the controversial Spanish powerbroker, himself reported to be under investigation for alleged wrongdoing, had taken over from Platini in the interim.
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