PARIS: Michel Platini has accepted that his career as one of the most powerful administrators in world football is at an end writes KEIR RADNEDGE.

The 60-year-old Frenchman wasted little time in issuing a statement after the Court of Arbitration for Sport trimmed his FIFA ethics ban for four years but maintained the original finding of financial misconduct.

Platini established himself one of the greatest footballers in French history before moving into the corridors of power and becoming president of European federation UEFA.

He said: “I have noted the decision of CAS but continue to consider it a profound injustice. This decision imposes a suspension whose length would prevent me standing for the presidency of FIFA at its next election.

“As discussed with the national associations, I am resigning from my duties as president of UEFA while retaining the right to continue my fight before the Swiss courts to prove my innocence.

“Life is always full of wonderful surprises; I look forward to continuing to experience them.”

UEFA issued its own statement, noting the decision of both CAS and Platini and indicating an intention to proceed as soon as possible to an election congress.

It said: “UEFA has taken note of the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport to suspend UEFA president Michel Platini from any football-related activity for four years. We have also taken note of Michel Platini’s statement announcing his intention to resign as UEFA president.

“The UEFA executive committee will meet on the morning of May 18 in Basel to discuss next steps, including the scheduling of an elective congress. In the meantime, there will be no UEFA president appointed ad interim.”

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