Michel Platini hails "admirable" Prince Ali bid

Michel Platini has congratulated Prince Ali for an "admirable campaign" for the FIFA presidency, despite the Jordanian withdrawing to leave Sepp Blatter in the role.

Ali, who is currently FIFA's vice-president for Asia, picked up 73 votes from the 209 member nations, forcing a second round of voting, but pulled out of the race before the additional poll took place.

The UEFA president, who had been a vocal supporter of Ali in the build-up to the election, said in a statement: "I am proud that UEFA has defended and supported a movement for change at FIFA. Change which in my opinion is crucial if this organisation is to regain its credibility.

"I congratulate my friend Prince Ali for his admirable campaign and I take the opportunity to thank all the national associations who supported him."

Platini called for Blatter to resign earlier this week after several senior members of FIFA were arrested on corruption charges in Zurich.