Dyke understands FIFA challenge

30 July 2015 05:32

Football Association chairman Greg Dyke admits the new president of FIFA will have his work cut out to improve the world governing body's image after Michel Platini formally declared his intention to run for the role.

The 60-year-old UEFA president said he wants to restore FIFA's dignity in the wake of the corruption crisis which has engulfed the organisation and led to current president Sepp Blatter announcing he will quit.

The FA wasted little time in giving Platini its backing, but Dyke warned it will be a challenging task to change FIFA.

He said: " We understand there will be a number of candidates, which should result in a strong and healthy debate. However, we should not underestimate how challenging it will be for anyone to lead an organisation that has been so tainted. The whole structure of FIFA must be reviewed and fundamentally changed.

"With FA vice-chairman David Gill newly-appointed to the FIFA Executive Committee and the level of worldwide scrutiny on the reform process, the opportunity is there to bring about positive change. While we have yet to see Mr Platini's manifesto, we believe he will fully support an ongoing reform process."

Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan also gave his backing to Platini, telling Press Association Sport: "We have been very supportive of Michel Platini, who has done a great job at UEFA, and I can't see any reason why we would not support him going forward.

"From the perspective of the smaller countries he has opened up the channels of communication and ensured that every country, irrespective of size, has a voice. That's really healthy for the game and if he is prepared to do that across the world I'm sure he will be well-received."

However, not everyone is in favour of Platini's decision to run. The Frenchman found himself under attack by Jordan's Prince Ali Bin al Hussein, who lost heavily to Blatter in May's election despite support from UEFA and Platini.

Prince Ali, who appears to be preparing to run again, said: "Platini is not good for FIFA. Football's fans and players deserve better.

"I believe that the voices of the individual football federations must be heard. In the coming week, I will be consulting with them about what is in the best interests of football.

"What is clear is that FIFA needs new, independent leadership, untainted by the practices of the past."

Blatter is to step down on February 26 due to the corruption crisis which has engulfed the organisation. Platini has written to all 209 member associations of FIFA to inform of them of his intentions.

He said in the letter: "This was a very personal, carefully considered decision, one in which I weighed up the future of football alongside my own future. I was also guided by the esteem, support and encouragement that many of you have shown me. "

Blatter, 79, was re-elected in May but within four days had announced he would quit after FIFA's involvement in payments to officials was uncovered.

Platini has been promised the support of the four of the six FIFA confederations, including the powerful Asian bloc, which makes him the clear favourite to succeed Blatter.

Source: PA