Brazilian football legend Pele on Thursday said he had recommended UEFA supremo Michel Platini as a candidate to run against Sepp Blatter for the FIFA presidency in June.
Speaking to reporters in Singapore, Pele said he had put forward Platini's name when he and former Germany captain Franz Beckenbauer were approached to run for FIFA's top job.
"Myself and Beckenbauer, we were approached to be candidates, then I said no, I am out of that. I want to rest," he said, without specifying who had made the suggestion to him.. "But everybody knows, Platini... it is important for him to be, you know, president of FIFA," added Pele, who was in Singapore to help officially kick off the 2011 Asia tour of the newly-revived New York Cosmos.
No change in WC qualifying slots
Zurich: FIFA said on Thursday there would be no change in the number of qualification slots allocated to each continent at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The decision means that Asia keeps 4.5 places, Oceania half a place, Africa five, Concacaf 3.5 and Europe 13.
South America remain with 4.5 while Brazil will qualify automatically as hosts of the 32-team tournament, as South Africa did in 2010. FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke also announced that soccer's governing body intended to take more control over friendly internationals following recent controversies.
{{/usCountry}}South America remain with 4.5 while Brazil will qualify automatically as hosts of the 32-team tournament, as South Africa did in 2010. FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke also announced that soccer's governing body intended to take more control over friendly internationals following recent controversies.
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Cameroon set to recall key trio
Yaounde: Three players sidelined from the national team since Cameroon's performance at last year's WC, including Arsenal midfielder Alexandre Song, are likely to return for African Nations Cup qualifier against Senegal on March 26 in Dakar.