Platini to reveal FIFA plans after World Cup

(MENAFN-Arab News) NYON, Suisse: UEFA chief Michel Platini on Friday refused to reveal whether he plans to run for the FIFA leadership, saying he would wait until the World Cup to show his hand

“I won’t budge from what I’ve already said, and I wish luck to all who are going to join the race for the FIFA presidency,” the head of European football’s governing body said after a meeting of UEFA’s executive board

“I’ve got work to do at UEFA, we have things to create, things to do, and my timetable is really packed,” Platini, 58, told reporters

“So I’m sticking to what I’ve long said, that if I enter the race, it will be at the World Cup or after the World Cup, and it’s more likely to be after the World Cup,” he underlined

FIFA president Sepp Blatter — in charge of global football’s governing body since 1998, and reelected for a fourth term in 2011 — has indicated that he will announce in June whether he plans to run again

The 77-year-old is expected to disclose his plans at FIFA’s congress on June 10-11 in the Brazilian metropolis of Sao Paulo

The World Cup kicks off in Brazil on June 12 and ends on July 13

Only one candidate has entered the leadership race so far: Frenchman Jerome Champagne, a former diplomat and ex-FIFA insider who helped run Blatter’s election campaigns

Former France captain Platini had little to say about the bid of his countryman, saying he had neither “read much nor listened to” Champagne’s announcement

Ferguson gets UEFA rol

UEFA has appointed Alex Ferguson as an ambassador to oversee its coaching programs

UEFA President Michel Platini said the former Manchester United manager will be chairman of its elite club coaches’ conference held each September

“It is an honor and a privilege to accept this role,” Ferguson said at a news conference with Platini. “It is something I will enjoy.

Ferguson retired last May after 27 years as United coach after winning his 13th Premier League title. He is now a director on the club board

The 72-year-old Scot won 38 trophies while at Old Trafford including the Champions League in 1999 and 2008

Platini said UEFA had responded to its national associations who asked for help “to teach the teachers” in coaching

“I think the arrival of Sir Alex will be very positive,” Platini said.