SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Bookmakers across the board have increased their odds for Michel Platini to replace the outgoing Sepp Blatter as FIFA President.
This comes after news that Swiss prosecutors are investigating Blatter for a payment made to Platini. Blatter, who’s been in charge of the world governing body of football since 1998, is due to step down in February 2016.
The investigation into FIFA intensified last week after Swiss authorities (the attorney general’s office) began criminal proceedings against him. Blatter is suspected of making a ‘disloyal payment’ of 2 million Swiss Francs (£1.3m) to Platini in 2011.
Platini has strong support from many national football associations, especially in Europe, where he has governed UEFA since 2007. Platini himself was only questioned as a witness regarding the payment, though many are speculating that investigations could be conducted by FIFA into the Frenchman, which could potentially lead to his suspension.
FIFA presidential candidates must formally submit their intention to stand by October 26th.
Platini had been odds on favourite but William Hill’s odds have shot up from 1/3 to 11/10. Another name which has been in the mix for some time now is Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, brother to Jordan’s King Abdullah.
Alex Donohue, representing Ladbrokes, stated: “The odds have moved decisively in favour of Al Hussein. Platini now looks increasingly less likely to win the presidential race.”
