Michel Platini withdraws from FIFA presidential race

Michel Platini has pulled out of the running to be the next president of FIFA.

The ex-UEFA supremo was recently suspended from all footballing activity for eight years by FIFA's ethics committee for receiving a "disloyal payment" from current FIFA head Sepp Blatter, who was handed the same punishment.

According to The AP, 60-year-old Platini has insisted that he is determined to clear his name of any wrongdoing, but the process will take longer than February 26, when the FIFA elections are held.

Prince Ali is the current favourite with the bookmakers to replace Blatter.