By Andrew Warshaw
October 26 – Europe have got the back-up FIFA presidential candidate they were desperate for, with UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino opting to do Michel Platini’s bidding despite assuring anyone who would listen only 10 days ago that there was no plan B in the race to succeed Sepp Blatter.
With Platini’s future very much in the balance because of his current suspension and the prospect of a further ban, UEFA’s top brass, meeting in emergency session, decided unanimously to put their second in command forward, the farthest thing from Infantino’s mind until Platini became embroiled in the ongoing FIFA corruption crisis.
Although the UEFA president is still technically in the running for the February 26 election having submitted the relevant documentation before his suspension and is appealing, the odds are that he will not return. Hence the reason why UEFA’s executive committee had to find a way out of the mess in case Platini fails to make it.
In statement after an exco conference call, UEFA said: “We are delighted that Gianni has agreed to stand and he knows that he has our full support in his campaign to become FIFA president.”
“Gianni has done a great job at UEFA, has a proven track record as a top class administrator and built positive relations with football stakeholders around the globe. He has been a long-time advocate of the need for change and renewed development at FIFA and would bring a refreshing and informed voice to the top table of football’s world governing body.”
The multi-lingual Infantino, who was believed to be in Qatar on Sunday though it is not known precisely on what business, had to rush out a statement himself after the surprise turn of events that at least allowed UEFA to save face after a torrid few weeks.
“Throughout my time in football I have always worked hard to serve the best interests of our great game and to support the principles of good governance and genuine integrity,” he said. “I am very proud of what we have achieved at UEFA and the way in which we conduct ourselves as an organisation. The values at the heart of UEFA are shared by many in the global football family.”
“I will in due course be setting out my detailed thinking in a manifesto which will address the challenges and opportunities ahead. It will be based on the need for reform and also for a FIFA that genuinely serves the interests of all 209 national associations, big or small, and that puts football and football development at the top of its agenda.”
“If elected I would lead that change in partnership with all who want to see a FIFA worthy of governing the world’s number one sport with dignity and respect. I am humbled and honoured to be entering this election with a vision for a renewed FIFA serving football and all its stakeholders and with such strong support from so many friends and colleagues.”
One interpretation of the UEFA statement was that Platini could pull out before the midnight European deadline for applicants rather than go through the trauma of an appeals hearing. But that would mean an admission of guilt over the 2million Swiss franc payment he received in 2011 when Blatter’s special advisor.
Platini insists he has done nothing wrong but will only have his candidacy recognised if and when his ban ends. A more plausible explanation for Infantino standing is that UEFA have gone for the next best option and someone who would be prepared to drop out should Platini miraculously be cleared.
UEFA members clearly felt none of the other contenders had sufficient credentials with whom to form an alliance while Dutch FA boss Michael van Praag, who withdrew ahead of the last ballot in May, was reluctant to be a stalking horse once again. Van Praag may yet prove a valuable asset as a possible contender for the leadership of UEFA instead of FIFA should an election be needed next year.
Infantino was the eighth candidate to declare his intention to run though in all likelihood that number will be reduced well before the ballot.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734904354labto1734904354ofdlr1734904354owedi1734904354sni@w1734904354ahsra1734904354w.wer1734904354dna1734904354