UEFA Boss Platini To Run For FIFA Presidency

Michel Platini has announced he will run for the FIFA presidency, saying he wants to restore dignity to the world governing body.

The UEFA boss has written to all of FIFA's 209 member associations to inform them of his hopes of succeeding Sepp Blatter.

Mr Platini, 60, said in the letter: "There are times in life when you have to take your destiny into your own hands.

"I am at one of those decisive moments, at a juncture in my life and in events that are shaping the future of FIFA."

Mr Blatter is to step down on 26 February next year due to the corruption allegations which have engulfed the organisation.

The two men used to be close allies but a rift between them deepened when Mr Blatter broke a promise to leave office in 2015.

Mr Platini chose not to oppose the 79-year-old and he won a fifth presidential term on May 29.

Four days later, however, Mr Blatter announced his intention to stand down, with FIFA officials being investigated by both US and Swiss authorities.

Mr Platini, a former French international, is to stand for the top job at the encouragement of fellow confederation leaders.

Other possible candidates include former Brazil star Zico and Argentina legend Diego Maradonna, although both lack any experience of international football administration.

Jordanian Prince Ali bin al Hussein, who took on Mr Blatter in May's vote, got much of his support from UEFA members and is therefore thought unlikely to run against Mr Platini next year.

Candidates have until October 26 -- exactly four months before the vote -- to come forward.

They must have the confirmed backing of at least five of FIFA's member nations, and be cleared by the world governing body's ethics committee, to be able to stand.

Mr Platini has made increasing calls for reform of the world body in recent months.

These have been heightened since US authorities charged 14 people -- including seven FIFA officials arrested in Zurich -- with corruption.