By James Crook

Michel Platini (left) is considering whether to challenge Sepp Blatter (right) for FIFA PresidencyAugust 28 - UEFA chief Michel Platini has insisted today that the plans of current FIFA leader Sepp Blatter will have no impact on whether or not he chooses to run for Presidency of world football's governing body.

Seventy-seven-year-old Blatter of Switzerland - an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member who has been re-elected on three occasions since taking the role in 1998 - said in 2011 that his fourth term would be his final one, but fuelled speculation that he will seek another four years at the helm when speaking at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Congress in May this year.

However, legendary former France and Juventus playmaker Platini has insisted that Blatter's decision on when he steps down will not have any bearing on whether he decides to run for the Presidency of FIFA.

"I don't know [what Blatter is going to decide]," he told L'Equipe.

"At first, he said that he would quit in 2015.

"Now, he has been saying that he will talk next year in Brazil.

"I will make my decision on my own, without taking Sepp into consideration."

UEFA President Platini has not always been the best of friends with Blatter, with the pair trading blows on numerous subjects throughout the years.

Platini has made his voice heard over the introduction of goal-line technology, claiming it is too expensive to implement and could lead to technology being used to assess frivolous decisions which would disrupt the flow of the game.

Michel Platini has insisted the future of current FIFA President Sepp Blatter will have no bearing on whether he stands for the roleMichel Platini has insisted the future of current FIFA President Sepp Blatter will have no bearing on whether he stands for the role

And Blatter returned fire earlier this year, claiming that Platini had taken the "heart and soul" out of the European Championship when UEFA decided that Euro 2020 will be held in multiple cities across the continent as opposed to the usual one or two countries.

He also implied that Europe may lose some of its qualification spots for future FIFA World Cups to ensure a greater continental balance. 

The 58-year-old Platini, who won three Ballon d'Ors in a glittering career, admitted he is still unsure on whether or not he will make a bid for the Presidency, but a decision could come as early as next month.

"I am thinking about whether it's good or not," he said.

"I have to persuade myself, like I did before my UEFA Presidential bid, that I want to go to FIFA."

Platini went on to claim that he "will definitely say something in Dubrovnik", where UEFA will hold an Executive Committee meeting in September. 

"People would fight to get the job of President of FIFA," he continued. 

"I won't.

"I just have to assess if it's a good thing for soccer.

"I'm not interested in the position for the sake of it.

"I have to persuade myself that it's my destiny."

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