Michel Platini Says He Feels 'Kicked in the Teeth' by Ban from FIFA

UEFA President Michel Platini has described his FIFA-imposed eight-year ban from "football-related activity," as a suspension that makes him feel like he's been "kicked in the teeth," according to Agence France-Presse (h/t OmniSport and Goal.com, via Fox Sports).  

The Frenchman lamented the damage done to his reputation by the ruling on Tuesday, saying: "But there you go, in the meantime, my name has been dragged through the mud in the press. Whatever happens, my reputation has been sullied, I've been kicked in the teeth."

Platini has joined disgraced FIFA honcho Sepp Blatter as recipients of severe disciplinary action from football's governing body. The actions stem from the corruption scandals that have rocked FIFA this year, and they are major enhancements of the 90-day bans the pair initially received.

LAURENT GILLIERON/Associated Press

In more specific terms, Platini and Blatter have been given suspensions due to an alleged transfer of 2 million Swiss francs. FIFA is said to have made the transfer, dubbed a "disloyal payment," to Platini in February 2011.

Goal.com's Greg Lea reported how the Independent Ethics Committee found the payment had "no legal basis in the written agreement signed between both officials on 25 August 1999."

Platini has promised to appeal, per AFP: "I will fight. But then I'll take my responsibilities according to what happens. I'm fighting against this injustice, from one court to another."

But FIFA has informed him he won't be able to immediately challenge this ruling at the court of arbitration for sport, according to the Associated Press (h/t the Guardian). It means Platini's first appeal has to be made to FIFA.

That will mean continuing the cycle of backbiting, controversy and scandal that have made a mockery of the decision-makers governing football at its highest, global levels.