Michel Platini withdraws support for Sepp Blatter

Frenchman says Fifa needs ‘breath of fresh air’ and he may stand n the upcoming election

Michel Platini. Photograph:  Niall Carson/PA Wire
Michel Platini. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Michel Platini has formally declared that he no longer supports Sepp Blatter as Fifa president, saying the world governing body needs "a breath of fresh air".

Uefa president Platini was a strong supporter of Blatter’s in the past but believes it was wrong of the 78-year-old to go back on his word to stand down in 2011.

Platini, in Sao Paulo ahead of the opening match of the World Cup, said: "I do not support him. I have known him for a long time and I like him but I am not in favour of him having a new term.

“I supported him in 1998 but I do not support him in 2014. And in the future I will not support Mr Blatter. I told him. I think that Fifa needs a breath of fresh air.

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“In 2011 he asked for our support [Uefa’s] and told us that that would be his last term...”

Platini said it was still an possibility that he would run against Blatter but he would not decide until the end of August.

He added: “It is an option. But it is not because Blatter is running that Michel Platini will not run. And it is not because Blatter is not running that Michel Platini will run.

“My only concern is knowing what I want to do. I am 60 soon and I need to know what I want. I will take my time.”