Sepp Blatter, 79, was elected for his fifth term as the head of the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) last Saturday, he stated in an interview that he is well aware of who dislikes him, who his biggest critics and opponents are. One of them - the leader of the European Football Federation, Frenchman Michel Platini.
"The campaign of hatred emanates not only from M. Platini, but also from a certain organization that cannot reconcile that I was elected FIFA president in 1998," said S. Blatter, who has been accused of FIFA corruption recently. - “Will I forgive M. Platini for his famous demands for me to step down from office? I forgive everyone, but I never forget."
Blatter gave the interview to Swiss television. He insisted that he never for a minute thought of stepping down from the FIFA leadership position.
"If I were to resign or not participate in the elections, then I would simply confirm the notion that I am guilty. But since 2010, all I do is fight corruption in FIFA. And if you were to compare the Executive Committee from five years ago and the current one, you would see that there are less than half of the people on the list. This means something," Blatter said.
Three-time world's best soccer player and current UEFA president, M. Platini, publicly criticized FIFA president on Friday and demanded his withdrawal from the fight for the leadership position. The Frenchman insisted that Europe supports the candidacy of the only competitor of S. Blatter - Jordanian Prince Ali bin al-Hussein.
Moreover, M. Platini assured that UEFA will consider withdrawing from the global football organization if Blatter is re-elected as FIFA president.
"Ali bin al-Hussein is very ambitious and he does not need money - he has plenty. I think this man can really do a lot of good for FIFA. He has ambitions, but he is also a man of his word - I had a chance to talk to him and he said he only seeks one term.
I told Sepp that he must step down from the FIFA presidency and that Europe will give at least 46 votes to Jordanian prince. My older colleague was very harsh in response to these words, but I think we will remain friends in the future.
If there is no progress in reforming FIFA, European football can organize its own competitions. But it is too early to talk about it. The strategy of the European Football Federation will be discussed after the Champions League final match in Berlin," said M. Platini.
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