SFA chief Regan backs Platini for FIFA presidency

The 60-year-old has vowed "to give FIFA back the dignity and the position it deserves".

The Frenchman is seeking to replace Blatter when he steps down in February and SFA chief executive Regan is backing his bid for the top job in world football.

Regan said: "We have been very supportive of Michel Platini, who has done a great job at UEFA, and I can't see any reason why we would not support him going forward.

"From the perspective of the smaller countries he has opened up the channels of communication and ensured that every country, irrespective of size, has a voice.

"That's really healthy for the game and if he is prepared to do that across the world I'm sure he will be well-received."

Platini has written to all 209 FIFA member associations to inform them of his intention to run for the post as Blatter gets set to step down next year.

FA chairman Greg Dyke has thrown his weight behind the Frenchman but warned it will be a challenging task to change FIFA.

Platini has also championed Qatar's 2022 World Cup despite the controversy surrounding the bid and the decision to play the tournament in the winter.

Dyke said: "With FA vice-chairman David Gill newly-appointed to the FIFA Executive Committee and the level of worldwide scrutiny on the reform process, the opportunity is there to bring about positive change. While we have yet to see Mr Platini's manifesto, we believe he will fully support an ongoing reform process."

Platini has also been supportive of the FA in terms of backing an increase in the number of home-grown players in squads, and last year UEFA awarded the semi-finals and final of Euro 2020 to Wembley.

In his letter to the leaders of world football, Platini said: "There are times in life when you have to take your destiny into your own hands. 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 added: "This was a very personal, carefully considered decision, one in which I weighed up the future of football alongside my own future. I was also guided by the esteem, support and encouragement that many of you have shown me.

"During this last half-century or so, FIFA has only had two presidents. This extreme stability is something of a paradox in a world that has experienced radical upheavals and in a sport that has undergone considerable economic change. However, recent events force the supreme governing body of world football to turn over a new leaf and rethink its governance."

Blatter, 79, was re-elected in May but within four days had announced he would quit after FIFA's involvement in payments to officials was uncovered.

Platini has been promised the support of the four of the six FIFA confederations, including the powerful Asian bloc, which makes him the clear favourite to succeed Blatter.

If Platini succeeds in becoming FIFA president, one implication is a likely slow-down in the further introduction of new technology such as video replays into the game.

Platini has been an opponent of goal-line technology, which has been adopted by both the Premier League and by FIFA for their competitions, and instead has favoured an extra official behind each goal-line.

After his announcement, Platini found himself under immediate attack by Jordan's Prince Ali Bin al Hussein, who lost heavily to Blatter in May's election despite support from UEFA and Platini.

Prince Ali, who appears to be preparing to run again, said: "Platini is not good for FIFA. Football's fans and players deserve better.

"FIFA is engulfed in scandal. We must stop doing business as usual. The practice of back-room, under-the-table deals must end.

"I believe that the voices of the individual football federations must be heard. In the coming week, I will be consulting with them about what is in the best interests of football.

"What is clear is that FIFA needs new, independent leadership, untainted by the practices of the past."