Johansson blasts Platini

Lennart Johansson accused Michel Platini, his rival for the UEFA's presidency, of sniping and then attacked Platini regarding his plans for the future of the Champions League.

Johansson, who is 77, issued a statement concerning remarks Platini made that questioned whether Johansson was too old for the job.

Johansson also criticised FIFA president Sepp Blatter for publicly backing Platini ahead of Friday's elections in Dusseldorf.

"I have been saddened by some of the comments said by Michel Platini in recent weeks when he questioned my reasons for standing, my fitness for the job and the fact that I don't live in Nyon," said Johansson.

"It has been a form of sniping and I have been very restrained in not responding.

"I have had many positive meetings with the national associations and I know I have a very good level of support. I am fit, healthy and boosted by the support I have been receiving."

The race to elect who will run European football for the next four years is thought to be too close to call.

Each of the 52 member nations will have a vote in the election with the eastern European countries having a major input in who wins.

Trying to win the votes of the smaller countries, Platini announced he plans to reduce the number of automatic Champions League places for major football nations including England, Italy and Spain.

"I must say I am worried about some of the ideas being proposed by Mr. Platini which could cause problems if they were put in place," said Johansson. "We cannot afford to experiment with competitions such as the UEFA Champions League."

Johansson claims he was asked by Blatter to run again, but the FIFA president made it clear that he supports Platini.

"I was a little surprised by some of the comments made by Mr. Blatter in Paris on Friday," added Johansson.

"The FIFA president urged me to stand for re-election as UEFA president and offered his support at the time."

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.