Platini

[Trigger]

Former France captain Michel Platini has been elected as Uefa's new president, ahead of rival Lennart Johansson after a vote in Dusseldorf.

Johansson, 77, has held the post for the last 16 years.

Platini has pledged to limit the number of Champions League places to three, from the current quota of four.

He said "This is just the beginning of an adventure. I'm happy to be able to represent European football. I'm very moved and very happy."

Platini immediately invited Johansson to become an honorary president of Uefa.

The 51-year-old former France star said: "This is a great victory but I have huge admiration for Lennart and I would ask for Lennart Johansson to become an honorary president of Uefa."

Johansson was given a standing ovation by the delegates at the invitation of Platini.

The Swede was openly against Platini's proposed changes to the Champions League.

Johansson said: "I don't want to be impolite to a colleague on the executive committee. I've already asked him why he wants to introduce changes to this success story?

"The Champions League is covered by numerous television stations around the world and there are a lot of sports that are trying to copy it."

He added: "The future is his but he has to learn and gain in experience."

 

[Man of Harveys]

Fantastic news. Legendary player and very sensible bloke.

 

[aftershavedave]

Fantastic news. Legendary player and very sensible bloke.

agreed

 

[Biscuit]

Could do a job?

 

[Commander]

Good.

 

[Taxi]

Should make the Premiership more exciting with only 3 Champions League places

 

[The Large One]

Not sure about this.

Platini once said he wanted to introduce a very pertinent rule change - he wanted to outlaw tackling.

Not sure what Johannsen's beef about the Champions League is. One, it's virtually an exclusive, closed shop, and two, three instead of four teams per country isn't going to make much difference.

I just hope Platini doesn't end up sitting in the pockets of the G14. Now they are bunch of cunts.

 

[Commander]

Not sure about this.

Platini once said he wanted to introduce a very pertinent rule change - he wanted to outlaw tackling.

Did he really say that?

Although this does seem to be happening at the moment.

 

[elwheelio]

Platini's ok but he didn't he say he'd never even entertain the thought of using video replays/evidence in football? In a french accent though.

 

[Wozza]

Not sure what Johannsen's beef about the Champions League is. One, it's virtually an exclusive, closed shop, and two, three instead of four teams per country isn't going to make much difference

Try telling that to Liverpool.

 

[robbied69]

For the top 4 teams possibly barring Man U and Chelski, is CL footie a necessity to pay off debts.

 

[Superphil]

Well I hope he goes the whole hog, Champions League, for Champions only. f*** the clubs finances, that's their problem to sort out.

Otherwise it might just as well be called the "anyone who can muster a few wins in the league, but not be able to beat the best teams, League"

 

[Gritt23]

Well I hope he goes the whole hog, Champions League, for Champions only. f*** the clubs finances, that's their problem to sort out.

Otherwise it might just as well be called the "anyone who can muster a few wins in the league, but not be able to beat the best teams, League"

Maybe that's the plan, or even the "adventure" he talks about. But he could hardly do it in one go could he.

At the moment it's chopping it down to 3, then it's stopping teams going into the UEFA Cup when elimated from the CL. then 2 teams qualify ...... before you know it we will be back to 2 very exciting European competitions.

C'mon Platini, you know it makes sense.