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GENEVA (AP) — FIFA Vice President Michel Platini says soccer's world governing body will lack credibility for as long as Sepp Blatter is president.
Blatter is clinging to power "at all costs" and fears an "emptiness" in life without FIFA, Platini says in an interview with French sports daily L'Equipe.
While Platini says he likes Blatter "as a person" and respects him, the comments ahead of FIFA's presidential election Friday point to a deep rift between the former allies.
Platini suggests 79-year-old Blatter is "simply scared of the future."
The UEFA leader says Blatter has no "grand plans" for a fifth four-year mandate, and it is "not credible" to claim he has an unfinished mission to complete.
Platini is supporting Blatter's opponent Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan.
Prince Ali "would make a great FIFA President. He has everything it takes," Platini says.
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