Michel Platini, the president of UEFA, has cast doubt over whether or not UEFA will continue its relationship with FIFA. Platini has stated that, should current FIFA president Sepp Blatter be re-elected, that UEFA, FIFA’s second largest and most influential continental congregation, will hold an “extraordinary” meeting in Berlin around the time of the Champions League Final.
When asked whether or not such a meeting could lead to UEFA withdrawing from FIFA competitions, Platini responded, “We will raise all possibilities.”
Platini went on to say that UEFA could boycott a World Cup, but added “I honestly don’t wish that.”
Despite being long time friends with Blatter, Platini has apparently come to his wit’s end with all of the controversies surrounding Blatter and FIFA, leading Platini to ask Blatter to resign: "I have had enough - enough is enough, too much is too much.”
In the face of Platini’s comments, the crisis surrounding his organization, and a presidential election due to be held on Friday, Blatter has stuck to his guns, admitting no wrong doing on his part and taking a high road overall.
"Those who are corrupt in football are in a minority, like in society and must be held responsible for their actions. Football cannot be the exception to the rule. There can be no place for corruption of any kind."
"Actions of individuals have proven to bring shame and humiliation on football and demand action and change from us all. We cannot allow the reputation of football and FIFA to be dragged through the mud any longer. It has to stop here."
These comments are unsurprising, and are sure to be met with indignation and general distrust by the general public. Blatter has long been seen as the snake’s head of an organization steeped in corruption, his words are disingenuous, to say the least.
