Platini withdraws from race to become FIFA president

Suspended UEFA chief Michel Platini has withdrawn from the race to become FIFA president. He's told the daily L'Equipe that he will concentrate on clearing his name instead. Platini and FIFA President Sepp Blatter were suspended for eight years by FIFA's ethics committee over a 2 million Swiss franc ($2 million) payment made to Platini in 2011 for work carried out between 1999 and 2002. 60-year-old Platini says the ban has made it impossible for him to have any kind of constructive campaign to take the sport's most powerful job. The deadline for nominations to succeed Sepp Blatter is January 26. The new FIFA president will be revealed on February 26.

More from Sports News

On Virgin Radio today

Trending on Virgin Radio

  • BRED Abu Dhabi

    BRED Abu Dhabi, Presented by Hypebeast, is back April 24-28 in Yas Bay. The line up is next level and locked in.

  • Mais Vault on the Kris Fade Show!

    The boys tried their 'pick up' lines on Mais Vault and things did not go according to plan...

  • Untold Dubai

    It arrived: The UAE's First Mega Music Festival at Expo City Dubai!

  • Ed Sheeran - UAE EXCLUSIVE

    Latest album, what happened with BTS, raising a baby girl, eye surgery, and more!