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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2016 SPORTS Platini vows to fight ‘injustice’ at FIFA appeal ZURICH: The fallen head of European foot- determined. ball, Michel Platini, faced a FIFA appeals But on Monday he said he would face committee yesterday in a bid to clear his the appeals committee “eye-to-eye.” “I have name and overturn an eight-year ban from done nothing and I am afraid of nothing,” the sport for ethics violations. he said. “We’ll see what happens... Maybe “I am not fighting for my future, but this is not over.” against injustice,” the former French star Platini had been the favourite to win told journalists outside the Zurich head- FIFA’s February 26 presidential vote but the quarters of world football’s governing December ruling levelled the final blow to body. his hopes of succeeding Blatter. While most football power-brokers typi- He withdrew from the race, leading the cally enter FIFA’s compound in luxury European confederation (UEFA) to back sedans with tinted windows, the 60-year- Gianni Infantino, Platini’s long-serving old Platini walked the final 100 metres (330 deputy at Europe’s governing body. feet) to FIFA’s gate, smiling and looking But UEFA has said it will not elect a new upbeat as reporters peppered him with president until Platini’s appeals have been questions. exhausted, meaning the Frenchman could “If I had anything to feel guilty about, I reclaim his post at the top of European would be in Siberia, hiding in shame,” said football if his ban is overturned. Platini, also a former FIFA vice president.
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