Platini announces intention to stand for Fifa presidency

Michel Platini has formally announced that he intends to stand for the Fifa presidency when Sepp Blatter vacates the position and has vowed to 'give Fifa back the dignity and the position it deserves.'

The 60-year-old Uefa president has written to all 209 member associations of Fifa to inform them of his intentions to stand to succeed Sepp Blatter.

"This was a very personal, carefully considered decision, one in which I weighed up the future of football alongside my own future," said the letter.

"I was also guided by the esteem, support and encouragement that many of you have shown me."

"There are times in life when you have to take your destiny into your own hands. I am at one of those decisive moments, at a juncture in my life and in events that are shaping the future of Fifa.

"Recent events force the supreme governing body of world football to turn over a new leaf and rethink its governance. I want to give Fifa back the dignity and the position it deserves."

Platini has been UEFA president since 2007 and was a supporter of Blatter in the past, but fell out with him when the 79-year-old back-tracked on his 2011 promise to step down at the end of his fourth term in office.

Blatter was re-elected in May, but within four days had announced he would quit after FIFA's involvement in payments to officials was uncovered.

Platini is the clear favourite to win the election to succeed Blatter that will take place on February 26 2016 in Zurich.

Formal submissions to run as a candide must be submitted by 26 October 2015.