"I pledge to lead the way to make sure UEFA continues to set the standard" (Michel Platini)

"I sincerely hope football can make headlines around the world for moments of magic on the field rather than for the murky politics off it. I pledge to lead the way to make sure UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) continues to set the standard for excellence and transparency in governance. Anything less than that, in our competitions and administration, is unacceptable," stated Michel Platini, UEFA president, in his end of year message on 30/12/2014.

"The immediate future is 2015 and I have many wishes for it. (For example) I am looking forward to seeing the new UEFA Foundation for Children take shape. I believe that we can start making a difference to children in need around the world," added Michel Platini on the UEFA website.

• UEFA president since 2007 and re-elected in 2011, Michel Platini will be the only candidate for the next presidency term of the European body during the XXXIX Ordinary UEFA Congress in Vienna (AUT) on 24/03/2015.
  • Michel Platini is, in fact, the only one candidate to have applied for candidacy to the UEFA presidency post by 24/12/2014, three…