Suspended FIFA vice-president Michel Platini has launched an urgent appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after his 90-day ban was upheld by the Ethics Committee of world football s governing body.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter and UEFA chief Platini were banned in early October over a disloyal payment made to the Frenchman in 2011, though both deny any wrongdoing.
The FIFA Appeal Committee announced on Wednesday that it had rejected appeals from both figures over their suspensions from football, but Platini has opted to take his decision to CAS.
Confirming Platini s move, CAS said in a statement: In his appeal, Michel Platini has also requested that the current provisional suspension be stayed until a final decision of FIFA on the merits of this case.
The appeal has been notified to FIFA also today. The CAS will determine the next steps of this procedure next week, after consultation with the parties concerned.
Platini had declared himself a candidate to replace Blatter as FIFA president, though he cannot be considered while suspended from football activities, with the electoral congress due to be held next February.
UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino has also entered the race for world football s top job but said he would withdraw his candidacy should Platini s appeal over his ban prove successful.
