The English Football
Association on Friday suspended its backing of Michel Platini's
FIFA presidential bid after discovering new information about
the payment which led to his suspension from world soccer.
The FA was one of the first federations to publicly
endorse Platini's campaign in July and now becomes the first to
distance itself from the UEFA president.
The ethics case centers on two million Swiss francs (about
$2 million) Platini received from FIFA in 2011. He says the
money was unpaid additional salary from his job as FIFA chief
Seppe Blatter's adviser between 1998 and 2002.
The FA says it received "more information" on the case
from Platini's lawyer at Thursday's UEFA meeting.
As a result, the FA board decided Friday that "it must
suspend its support" of Platini's candidacy.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
