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Uefa: Michel Platini will not stand for Fifa presidency

Michel Platini will not stand for the Fifa presidency, Uefa has announced. But speaking at a press conference in Monaco, the Frenchman did not rule out a future contest with Sepp Blatter, saying: "I said I can beat Mr Blatter, but perhaps we will know in four years or six years or ten years if there will be a fight with Mr Blatter."

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Michel Platini does not rule out future Blatter 'fight'

Uefa president Michel Platini has announced he will not challenge Sepp Blatter for the presidency of world football's governing body, Fifa.

Speaking at a press conference in Monaco, the Frenchman did not rule out a future contest, saying: "I said I can beat Mr Blatter, but perhaps we will know in four years or six years or ten years if there will be a fight with Mr Blatter."

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Michel Platini: I wanted to do what was best for Uefa

Michel Platini said his commitment not to stand against Sepp Blatter for the Fifa presidency was the best decision for Uefa.

This is the decision I have made. I wanted to do what is best for Uefa,

Now is not my time, not yet. I want to complete what I have started and I want to go to the end of my contract with Uefa and if the federations wish I will still have a few years before this contract comes to an end.

I have thought long and hard but I never managed to convince myself that I had to go to Fifa.I chose from the heart and on the basis of my passionate feeling.

– Uefa president Michel Platini

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Michel Platini will not stand for Fifa presidency

Uefa president Michel Platini has ruled out standing for the Fifa presidency.

Michel Platini. Credit: Reuters

Platini, 59, was rumoured to be preparing to challenge current president Sepp Blatter in next year's election.

He previously said Fifa - which has been blighted by corruption allegations - needed a "new breath of fresh air".

But former France international told Uefa officials at a meeting in Monaco that he had opted against standing as he wanted to concentrate on leading European football's ruling body instead.

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