MICHEL PLATINI HAS claimed the draw for the 1998 FIFA World Cup was manufactured to enable hosts France to play defending champions Brazil in the final.
Three-time Ballon d’Or winner Platini was joint-head of the organising committee for the tournament, held in France for the second time as they chased their first title.
Zinedine Zidane ultimately inspired Les Bleus to victory in the final, defeating Brazil 3-0 in a showdown that Platini now suggests was planned from the outset.
The group stage draw ensured the sides could not meet before the Stade de France showpiece as long as they topped their groups, setting up a “dream” clash.
“When we organised the schedule, we used a little trickery,” he told France Bleu.
“If we finished first in the group [Group C] and Brazil finished first [in Group A], we could not meet before the final.
“We did not spend six boring years organising the World Cup to not have some little shenanigans. Do you think that others have not done it for their World Cup?
France versus Brazil in the final, that was the dream for everyone.”
Platini went on to become UEFA president but, in 2015, was banned from football for six years, later reduced to four, following an investigation by Swiss authorities.
This investigation focused on a “disloyal payment” of £1.3million made to Platini in 2011 that had “no legal basis”.
FIFA is yet to respond to requests to pass comment on Platini’s claims regarding the 1998 World Cup draw.
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Some man,some character
Genius
What a legend, i taught he missed the blue!
The game wouldn’t be the same without him. He is the greatest ever. He’s the only reason I watch snooker.
The fairy tale ended for David Morris unfortunately. What a week for him, his best Snooker result ever – hopefully the prize money will allow him to focus full time and kick on from here.
That was just magic. Genius at work. Would watch him play all day, every day.
Ronnie is just lethal, could have had a maximum in the previous frame too. Fantastic player to watch
Not a bad evening’s work from The Ron.
The things he does with a cue make you scratch your head. The shots he mKes and plays. Best if all time
Makes it look easy
Thought it was downgraded to a veruka