Match-fixing greatest threat to football says Michel Platini

Uefa president pin-points match-fixing ahead of racism and violence

Michel Platini (REUTERS)

Uefa president Michel Platini believes match-fixing poses the greatest threat to the future of football.

While acknowledging the continued spectres of racism and violence, for the Frenchman throwing a game would sound the death knell for the game.

Speaking to French radio station RTL, Platini said: "Racism and violence - it is a little beyond our control because it is not just about football but also affects the public.

"On the other hand we're directly concerned by match-fixing. For me, this is the greatest shame.

"If tomorrow, we'll see a game and we already know the result, football is dead."

Football is waging an ongoing war against racism with Kevin-Prince Boateng recently making a stand by walking off the field with his AC team-mates against Pro Patria because of racist chanting.

Platini expressed his admiration, saying: "It's great, I really liked it. It was very good, I also called to congratulate Milan."

The former France midfielder also reiterated his desire to host the 2022 in Qatar in winter.

"When I told the Emir of Qatar that I would vote for them, I told him two things," he added.

"First, I would fight for it to be in winter.

"It's 50 degrees in the summer in Qatar. If we do not change the date, there are countries that will never receive the World Cup."

PA