Friday 26 January 2007

Platini elected as UEFA President

Juventus legend Michel Platini has been elected as the new President of European Football's governing body - UEFA.

The Frenchman received 27 votes from Europe’s 52 national football associations at the UEFA Congress in Dusseldorf on Friday, winning over incumbent chief Lennart Johansson.

Platini was understandably delighted with victory and immediately invited Johansson to become an Honorary President of UEFA, after holding the post for the past 17 years.


“This is just the beginning of an adventure. I am happy to be able to represent European football. I’m very moved and very happy,” said the former Bianconero. “This is a great victory, but I have huge admiration for Lennart,” added the 51-year-old.

Platini, who was voted European Footballer of the Year in 1983, 1984 and 1985, started his career as a player with Nancy. He joined Juventus in 1982, winning the European Cup in 1985, the UEFA Cup and European Super Cup in 1984, as well two Scudetti before retiring in 1987.

The former international also led France to the 1984 European Championship victory and appeared in three World Cups, playing a total of 72 matches with Les Bleus.

The new UEFA President has pledged to make some major changes to the game and could decrease the number of club’s one country can enter into the Champions League.

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