Platini quits as UEFA president after ban appeal fails

 

(FILES) This file photo taken on June 11, 2014 shows UEFA president Michel Platini attends the 64th FIFA congress in Sao Paulo, on the eve of the opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Michel Platini’s appeal against a six-year ban from football imposed by FIFA failed and the French legend will now resign as UEFA’s president, his lawyers said on May 9, 2016. According to the lawyers, the Court of Arbitration for Sport only ruled that the ban against the 60-year-old Platini over a suspect payment from FIFA be cut to four years. “Michel Platini announces that he will resign as president of UEFA at the organisation’s next congress,” said a statement which added that he was “deeply disappointed” by the decision. / AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI

Michel Platini said Monday he will resign as UEFA president after his appeal against a six-year ban from football activities failed.

The Frenchman said he would resign to pursue the case over a suspect $2 million payment in Swiss courts in a bid to clear his name.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected the appeal saying it was not convinced about the “legitimacy” of the payment ordered by ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

It did cut the ban to four years and reduced a fine from 80,000 Swiss francs ($80,000) to 60,000 Swiss francs.

“I note today’s decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport but I consider it a profound injustice,” Platini said in a statement.

“This decision inflicts a suspension for which the length stops me, de facto, and by luck, from being a candidate in the next FIFA presidential election,” he added.

“As agreed with the national associations, I resign as president of UEFA to pursue my fight before the Swiss courts to prove my probity in this case.

“Life has always kept beautiful surprises for me, now I am free to live them,” said the former French football star.

The decision means that Platini will not be able to take any official role in the European Championship finals that start in France on June 10. He was a key organiser of the event until the FIFA payment scandal erupted.