Michel Platini is a certain romantic idea of football, a little picture of the player he was. At UEFA, he chairs since 2007, he proved that he was not a dreamer but also an effective man of action. His numerous measures (end of G14, opening Champions League to small nations, establishment of financial fair play) testify to his desire to move towards a more just football.
If he has not specifically detailed the program on which he intends to be elected next February for the presidency of FIFA, its action to UEFA and its many declarations outline the directions it might take to globally on success.
1. Restoring the credibility of the institution with greater transparency
That is the most urgent housing cases of accession to the presidency of FIFA. Tarnished by corruption scandals, the international body must redeem conduct and one that will be propelled to the head will inevitably embody a break with its predecessor, the sulfur Sepp Blatter. Platini, vice-president of FIFA, knows he will be attacked on his acquaintance with the system already in place.
Prince Ali has already tackled on this point: “FIFA is embroiled in the scandal (…) Culture backstage arrangements, covertly, must end.” Therefore in the letter sent to 209 presidents and general secretaries of the member associations of FIFA, he erected a priority his wish to “make FIFA instead and dignity it deserves”, so that it either new “ respected, loved and popular “.
- What decision could take?
To ensure transparency of FIFA, Platini must break the omerta that surrounds it. Post integrity Garcia report on the conditions for awarding World Cups 2018 and 2022, not a watered down version as was the case in April, would be a strong sign. “ We are not stupid. Everybody knows that the report will be released after the elections,” had reacted Platini in May. The former leader of the Blues could also create an independent institution to control the decisions of the executive committee of FIFA. The Ethics Committee, which is currently depends … FIFA.
Michel Platini, candidate for president of FIFA – AFP
2. Change the governance of FIFA
Joao Havelange and Sepp Blatter shared the chair of FIFA president since 1974. Forty years only two presidents? A mistake by Platini. “ During the almost half century, FIFA has had only two presidents , noted the French in the letter he sent the 209 presidents of federations to announce his candidacy. This extreme stability is something of a paradox in a world that has been subject to radical upheaval and in a sport that has experienced considerable economic change. But recent events require the supreme institution that governs world football and to reform to rethink its governance. ”
- What decision could take?
The UEFA president will be confronted with the rigidity of the institution. In June 2014, the FIFA Congress in Brazil had rejected the project age limit and term limits. A 79-year-old Sepp Blatter was able to represent to succeed himself. Imposing term limits and age, it is a decision that the public expects and will help to restore credibility to the institution. Obligations that Michel Platini will, of course, apply to himself.
Michel Platini and Sepp Blatter, future opponents to lead FIFA? – AFP
3. Give more visibility to small countries
To move to the top of European football, Michel Platini has adopted a clear strategy: to seduce the small nations by opening the Champions League and increasing the number of teams qualified for the Euro (16 to 24). If he can now count on the support of the European federation, those of Africa and Oceania are far more defiant towards her. The petting in the direction of hair promising them greater exposure during the World Cup would be a strong argument in its program.
- What decision could take?
A new distribution of qualified for the World Cup. It could ensure the presence of a representative of Oceania (which must now go through a dam in front of the fifth Amsud zone) or inflate the presence of African teams. Or by lowering the quota of other federations is, to offend anyone, by increasing the number of teams. If elected, Platini could submit to its executive committee passing from 32 to 40 or even 48 teams qualified. It would inevitably develop the competition: establish final 16C for example. With Platini, anything is possible. The question is whether this can be achieved while the model works well today.
Alternatively, open the organization of the World Cup in a double bid to cushion risks and split the costs. As he had done with Euro 2012 co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine, it could push in the direction of a World Cup in Morocco and Algeria and Australia and New Zealand calling it Office federations both countries which are now defiant towards her.
Michel Platini, candidate for president of FIFA – AFP
4. The end of the advances in video arbitration
Exits to appear retrograde, Michel Platini is the fiercest opponent of the use of video as a crutch for arbitration. His election inevitably mean the end of progress in this area. To help black men in their decision, Platini introduced arbitration to five in the Champions League and Europa League. But no question for him to use a computerized system using: “In France, we introduced the technology in rugby and it’s a disaster , showed it in December 2013. At every opportunity we have to stop the game, see what says the referee, who did not used to be in agreement with technology. Meanwhile, everyone gets nervous. ”
- What decision could take?
The mere end of the goal line technology introduced by FIFA during the World Cup final. Michel Platini is not really a fan: “ But again, I find arbitration to 5 wonderful Moreover, 35 countries use the system to their league England alone has recourse to the goal line.. . Technology 35 against 1, that is a question of money Then I warned long ago:.. the goal line technology is the video, these are the challenges and finally technology in football and I think it is essential to avoid that. “
5. To enforce the prohibition of TPO
Since 1 May 2015, TPO (Third-Party Ownership) is prohibited in football. It is therefore possible that the commercial rights of a footballer are held by third parties. Only the clubs can sell and lend them players. At least in theory. Last March, Michel Platini replied to a question about his ambition to ban this method. “ I have gone on strike in 1972 that players are free. Today to see that the player belongs to several people, I find it shameful. We returned to forms of modern esclavagismes. “Today, despite the ban from FIFA, the TPO continues to influence the transfer window because, legally, nothing prevents.
- What decision he could take?
As FIFA president Michel Platini will ensure that the ban is respected. This is far from the case. To do this, there is only one solution: the courts of the sport unite alongside FIFA. Legally, the instance will never fight differently … “ What football money still in football “, that is the ambition of the French clearly assumed by prohibiting the OPT.
Michel Platini, candidate for president of FIFA – AFP
6. Changing behavior
How will it develop football in five years? The question can bring a lot of answers. For Michel Platini, the major problems of the sport are caused by players and fans themselves. “ We need to improve the behavior of players and fans , said the French during an interview on the UEFA website in March. I do not like how players go straight to the referee at every decision. I do not like how it simulates. Many people do not like football because of it. ”
For the fans, Michel Platini admits it more difficult: “ It is necessary that we all be tolerant That continues to work on racism and violence in stadiums must provide values in the stands.. This is very complicated . ”
- What decision he could take?
A UEFA training of referees and the fight against racism have been placed at the center of priorities for the re-election of French in 2011. The old number 10 will have to go further to change behavior of players and fans in the stadiums. There will come only through sanctions by being more adamant against those who go too far. One can imagine a greater severity of referees deal with simulations or challenges.
Regarding the fans, Michel Platini has made the fight against racism in stadiums in each of its priorities by helping financially the organization “Football Against Racism in Europe” and involving the biggest stars of the continent, before, during and after matches. The anti-racism campaign has borne fruit despite some recent incidents. He will act, if elected, to adapt what has worked well in the world. Never an easy task.
Martin MOSNIER and Loïc TANZI
No comments:
Post a Comment