Platini will not challenge Blatter

Michel Platini has ruled out standing against Sepp Blatter for the FIFA presidency and will instead run for re-election as UEFA president.

The 59-year-old Frenchman told UEFA delegates in Monaco that he had decided against standing for the FIFA post as he wants to continue his work as head of European football’s ruling body.

Platini’s announcement was confirmed by delegates after the meeting – European FIFA executive committee member Michel D’Hooghe said: “It was a very positive message – he said he would like to continue as UEFA president and I am pleased that it means that this time there will be no battle between FIFA and UEFA.”