UEFA president Michel Platini answers journalists' questions as he leaves the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after an hearing for an appeal for his suspension on December 8, 2015 in Lausanne. PHOTO: AFP
Platini, head of European confederation UEFA and a FIFA vice-president, had been the favourite to succeed outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter, until he was named in a Swiss criminal investigation in September.
FIFA suspended Platini and Blatter in October.
CAS Secretary General Matthieu Reeb said judges considered whether Platini suffered irreparable damage from the temporary suspension while an investigation over a $2 million payment was completed.
In its appeal, Platini’s camp insisted the ex-Juventus star had done nothing wrong and was being unfairly blocked from campaigning for FIFA’s presidency.
In a unanimous decision, the three CAS judges found that no irreparable damage had been caused, but urged FIFA to quickly reach a final decision in the case.
The court ruled out an extension of the temporary ban, saying it would breach Platini’s rights. “Mr Platini has lost a round, but it’s not final,” Reeb told journalists.
FIFA’s ethics watchdog reportedly wants to ban Platini for life, and Blatter is also facing further punishment.
FIFA’s in-house court is expected to issue its final verdict this month, said a statement.
Platini’s temporary suspension expires on January 5 and CAS noted that even if it were lifted, there was no guarantee that FIFA’s electoral committee would approve Platini’s candidacy before the temporary ban runs out.
Platini’s camp voiced optimism after the ruling. “Michel Platini knows he will ultimately be exonerated”, said his lawyer Thibaud d’Ales.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 12th, 2015.
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