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Platini: I can beat Blatter

Astana - UEFA president Michel Platini said in an interview on Thursday that he is the only person capable of stopping Sepp Blatter in an election for FIFA president.

But the French football legend is still not saying whether he will stand in the FIFA election to be held next year.

"Only one person can beat Blatter," the UEFA leader told a small group of journalists on the sidelines of the UEFA congress in Astana.

When pressed on whether he was that person, Platini answered "yes".

The 78-year-old Blatter has not officially said whether he will stand for a new term, but is widely expected to announce his candidacy around the World Cup finals this year.

Platini told the UEFA Congress he would have more meetings with European football leaders in coming months before announcing whether he would stand for FIFA.

The 58-year-old UEFA president said it would be a "personal" decision but that he would consult widely.

"I will give my answer after the World Cup. There will be a series of meetings with European federation officials. Maybe 99% of them will say 'we prefer that you stay at UEFA', that could also be an element of reflection" in the decision, Platini said.


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