Michel Platini confirms he will run for FIFA president

Michel Platini has launched his campaign to succeed Sepp Blatter as FIFA president, saying he aims to give the scandal-hit governing body of soccer “the dignity and the position it deserves.”

Platini, the UEFA president and a FIFA vice president, wrote to member federations in Europe on Wednesday saying he will stand in the election and is counting on their support.

The FIFA election is Feb. 26, and would-be candidates must apply by Oct. 26.

“There are times in life when you have to take your destiny into your own hands,” Platini wrote. “I am at one of those decisive moments, at a juncture in my life and in events that are shaping the future of FIFA.”

Platini has for years been the obvious candidate to succeed Blatter, his mentor in FIFA politics. But a rift between the longtime allies deepened when Blatter broke a promise to leave office in 2015.

Platini chose last year not to oppose Blatter, who won a fifth presidential term May 29. Four days later, Blatter announced his plan to resign under pressure from U.S. and Swiss federal investigations of corruption implicating FIFA.

“However, recent events force the supreme governing body of world football to turn over a new leaf and rethink its governance,” Platini said.

Platini chose to run after getting encouragement from some of his fellow FIFA vice presidents last week in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Five of the six confederation leaders, including Platini, were there for the 2018 World Cup qualifying drawm with only the North American regional body missing.

Platini then traveled to Philadelphia for the Gold Cup final on Sunday, and briefed CONCACAF leaders on his plans. They included FIFA executive committee colleague Sunil Gulati, the U.S. Soccer Federation president.

The U.S. body was among the five FIFA members that nominated Prince Ali bin al-Hussein to challenge Blatter two months ago. The Jordanian prince was publicly supported by Platini but lost 133-73.