Platini 'To Quit As UEFA President,' As Court Of Arbitration Reduces Ban

Michel Platini will quit as president of UEFA after his appeal against a FIFA-imposed six-year ban from all football activity failed.

Depite the failure of the appeal, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) did reduce Platini's ban to four years. The former France international's lawyers say Platini will now resign as UEFA's president at the organization's next congress, currently scheduled for 2017.

The three time Ballon d'Or winner said he won't give up the fight to clear his name.

"I note today's decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport but I consider it a profound injustice," Platini said in a statement.

"This decision inflicts a suspension for which the length stops me, de facto, and by luck, from being a candidate in the next FIFA presidential election," he added.

"As agreed with the national associations, I resign as president of UEFA to pursue my fight before the Swiss courts to prove my probity in this case.

"Life has always kept beautiful surprises for me, now I am free to live them."

(DW)