FIFA: Michel Platini not running for president in 2015

FIFA: Michel Platini not running for president in 2015 Reg - Paris - Thursday, August 28, 2014 - Highlights #24219 Michel Platini announced that he will not be a candidate for the presidency of FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) in 2015 during a press conference in Monaco on 28/08/2014, on the sidelines of the group stage draw for the 2014-15 Champions League. "I have chosen to follow my heart. I have chosen football. I have chosen passion. This is not the time, it is not my time. Not yet," said Platini on 28/08/2014. Platini added that he will run for a third term as president of UEFA (Union of European Football Associations). This election will take place in Vienna (AUT) in late March 2015. Michel Platini has been the UEFA president since 26/01/2007, when he defeated the incumbent, Lennart Johansson (SWE).
	During the 64th FIFA Congress in Sao Paulo (BRA) on 11/06/2014, Joseph Blatter, FIFA president since 08/06/1998, left little doubt regarding his desire to run for a fifth four-year term in 2015. "I feel good; my term will end on 29/05/2015, but my mission is not over. Together, we will build a new FIFA. You will decide who to vote for in 2015, but I am ready to accompany you into the future." The only candidate who has officially declared to date is Jérôme Champagne (FRA), who was the deputy secretary general of FIFA, then the president's deputy, and then director of international relations. He announced his candidacy on 20/01/2014 in London (ENG). The next election for the presidency of FIFA will take place on 29/05/2015 at the 65th congress of the international body in Zurich (SUI). The deadline for official candidacies is 29/01/2015 -- four months before the election.