FA Suspends Support of Michel Platini's FIFA Presidential Candidacy

Michel Platini's bid for the position of FIFA president took a further blow on Friday when the English FA suspended its support of the Frenchman.

In a statement on its official website, the governing body indicated that after learning further details of the ethics case against Platini in a meeting on Thursday, it could no longer back the UEFA boss to take the biggest role in football until the investigation is over:

"

The FA wishes Mr Platini every success in fighting these charges and clearing his name, and has no interest in taking any action that jeopardises this process.

However, notwithstanding the above, at the UEFA meeting on Thursday, The FA learnt more information relating to the issues at the centre of this case from Mr Platini’s lawyers. 

We have been instructed that the information must be kept confidential and therefore we cannot go into specifics.

As a result of learning this information, The FA Board has on Friday morning concluded that it must suspend its support for Mr Platini's candidature for the FIFA Presidency until the legal process has been concluded and the position is clear.

"

LEON NEAL/Getty Images

The change in stance from the FA is a swift reversal from the governing body's position of last week, where its backing was maintained for the former Juventus player, as confirmed by the Guardian's David Conn on Oct. 8.

The Associated Press' Rob Harris said the English body will now hold fire on who it should back next:

Platini will fight on, as he looks to avoid sinking into the pool of controversy engulfing FIFA President Sepp Blatter, and the countless scandals at its headquarters.

However, the loss of support from one of the most powerful football associations in world football could be a blow to his hopes of becoming FIFA president.