UEFA president Michel Platini on Tuesday attacked a British newspaper for seeking to “tarnish” his reputation by drawing him into corruption claims against the Qatar World Cup bid.
“I’m no longer astonished by the spreading of unfounded rumours aimed at tarnishing my image at an important moment for the future of football.
“Nothing surprises me any longer.”
The Daily Telegraph alleged that the French football legend had held “a secret meeting” with Mohamed Bin Hammam, the controversial Qatari accused of making slush fund payments to secure support for Qatar’s 2022 campaign.
The paper said Platini, who may challenge Sepp Blatter as boss of world football’s ruling body FIFA next year, held private talks with Bin Hammam “shortly before FIFA awarded the 2022 World Cup to Qatar”.
It said the disgraced former FIFA vice-president “personally lobbied Mr Platini to support the emirate’s bid”.
Platini accepted that he had met Bin Hammam.
“I find it incredible that talks with a FIFA executive committee member colleague at the time can be transformed into a state conspiracy.
“I certainly met Mr Mohamed Bin Hammam several times in 2010 as we were both of us executive committee members since 2002.
“In these conversations … the object of the discussions was the candidacy for the FIFA presidency,” he added.
“Mr Bin Hammam was in fact seeking to convince me to stand for the FIFA presidency in the 2011 elections.”
The former French footballer recalled that he was the only FIFA executive committee member to publicly declare that he voted for Qatar in the vote in December 2010.
“That’s proof of my total transparency, and that no one has dictated my behaviour.”
Bin Hammam was banned from world football in 2011 after being caught bribing voters in his campaign to be elected FIFA president. Qatar has since disowned the official.
Platini’s intervention comes the day after renewed calls for FIFA to reopen the 2022 bidding process triggered by The Sunday Times.
The paper said it had obtained emails, documents and bank transfers relating to alleged payments made by Bin Hammam to get a “groundswell” of support for the wealthy emirate’s bid.
Matthew Skellett
Guest
If the cap fits .........
BtoThePower3
Guest
At least he admitted before that he promised the Qatar emirate that he would change the tournament to a winter one.
MelbCro
Guest
Platini's lack of integrity is what tarnishes his image.
Steven McBain
Roar Guru
Without knowing all the details, it just saddens me that something supposedly as pure as the World Cup is so openly abused by those in charge of it. What's even sadder is I'm in no way surprised. I work in the oil and commodites industry, it's far from squeaky clean but that's the world you live in and whilst am not saying it's correct, you kinda accept it comes with the territory. These however are elected officials for a supposedly 'non profit making' (I think that got lost somewhere along the way) governing body that exists for the good of the game. If you want to go rip people, take bribes and bungs, go into business at least, be upfront about who and what you are and get on with it. This to me is no different to people ripping off charities or stealing money from blind people's purses. Hang them all!!!!
Griffo
Roar Guru
Hmm...I thought I was cynical then about Bin Hammam dropping out of the race...and I find the same feeling growing again with Platini... ...nah, must be a coincidence...
whiskeymac
Guest
Haha. Yup .
whiskeymac
Guest
Interesting. It seems bribing is only unacceptable if it is designed to dethrone. With a new presidential battle looming look who is being dragged through it all, the aspirant, and look who is cleansing his hands, the incumbent. Fifa was very quick to get rid of bin hamam once he challenged Sepp. Or maybe i am being too cynical.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
The former French footballer recalled that he was the only FIFA executive committee member to publicly declare that he voted for Qatar in the vote in December 2010. “That’s proof of my total transparency, and that no one has dictated my behaviour.” Yep, you voted for Qatar because it provided the perfect environment for playing football and for fans to soak up the sun and atmosphere. Sure you did.