Boniek: Platini’s candidacy for FIFA President ‘not received well by a certain group’ | OneFootball

UEFA vice-president Zbigniew Boniek argues that Michel Platini’s candidacy for the FIFA presidency was ‘not received well by a certain group,’ ruining his footballing career as a high-level executive despite being cleared of corruption charges.

Juventus and France legend Michel Platini and former FIFA President Sepp Blatter were cleared of corruption charges earlier this week. Platini and Blatter had already been acquitted of fraud offences in 2022, but the federal Swiss prosecutors appealed the ruling.

“I am satisfied with this outcome, I’ve always been his [Platini’s] friend even in difficult moments,” Platini’s ex-teammate Boniek told Il Messaggero via TMW.

“I’ve always been convinced he didn’t deserve that sort of treatment. His candidacy for the FIFA Presidency was not received well by a certain group that started bringing up accusations with no real value.

Boniek: Platini’s candidacy for FIFA President ‘not received well by a certain group’

epa09419220 Former president of the Polish Football Association Zbigniew Boniek talks with media at the “Sofitel Victoria” hotel, in Warsaw, Poland 18 August 2021. Boniek was stepping down as president of the Polish Soccer Assciationn and Cezary Kulesza was elected president of the football federation, who received 92 votes, and his rival Marek Kozminski – 23. At the same time, the delegates – by acclamation – decided that Boniek would become the honorary president of the Polish Football Association. EPA-EFE/Piotr Nowak POLAND OUT

“They created a huge scandal, ruining his footballing career as a high-level executive,” Boniek continued.

“He’s been suffering for ten years, and now he’s been fully acquitted. He was one of the best players of the 1980s and a great executive.”

Will Platini aim for a return to football?

“I don’t think he has a desire to do anything,” Boniek admitted.

“He is happy where he is now, as time has passed. We talk occasionally, and I see no real interest in returning.”

Not even being named as the Juventus honorary President, as some Bianconeri fans suggested on social media, would tempt the ex-France star.

“I don’t think it would make up for what he’s been through,” Boniek concluded.