Soccer

Michel Platini to appeal to arbitration court against Fifa ban

Platini and Blatter banned from football for eight years and fined for ethics violations

Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini have been banned for eight years, the Fifa ethics committee said on Monday. Photograph: Michael Probst/AP
Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini have been banned for eight years, the Fifa ethics committee said on Monday. Photograph: Michael Probst/AP
Mon Dec 21 2015 - 13:06

The head of European soccer, Michel Platini, said he would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against his eight-year ban from the game announced by the Fifa Ethics Committee on Monday.

Platini and Sepp Blatter, the former head of soccer’s global governing body who is also appealing, were banned and fined for ethics violations.

The Frenchman said in a statement that he was “at peace with my conscience”.

He also claimed the action against him was “a mockery”. The Uefa chief added: “This decision does not surprise me. The Fifa ethics commission’s procedure against me is a true mockery. It was orchestrated to tarnish my reputation.

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“I’m convinced that my fate was decided before the December 18th hearing and that this decision is just a pathetic manoeuvre to hide a true will of taking me out of the football world.”

Uefa said it was “extremely disappointed” in the decision to ban Platini. A statement from the European governing body said: “Naturally, Uefa is extremely disappointed with this decision, which nevertheless is subject to appeal. Once again, Uefa supports Michel Platini’s right to a due process and the opportunity to clear his name.”