Platini re-elected as Blatter sits through criticism

UEFA President Michel Platini speaks during a news conference at the end of the 39th Ordinary UEFA Congress in Vienna, Austria, Tuesday, March 24, 2015. Platini was re-elected as UEFA president for a third four-year term. He was unopposed to extend his presidential reign, which started in 2007, and was acclaimed by the leaders of UEFA's 54 member federations. [Photo/Agencies]

Vienna - Football legend Michel Platini on Tuesday scored a hat-trick of victories for the presidency of UEFA and made an immediate attack on Sepp Blatter's leadership of world body FIFA.

The 59-year-old Frenchman secured unopposed a third four-year term running one of the world's richest sports federations.

But within minutes of taking the applause of the 54 member federations, and with Blatter sat in the audience, Platini launched new criticism of FIFA's scandal-plagued leadership.

FIFA is to hold a presidential election on May 29. Blatter is the favourite to win but for the first time faces three rivals for his post. Europe, infuriated by controversy surrounding the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar, is leading the campaign against the Swiss official.

"We do love FIFA dearly. Europe's entire football community loves FIFA dearly. It is precisely because we love and respect it that we want it to be perfect," Platini said.

The UEFA boss also sought to win over the heads of the Asian, North America, South American and Oceania confederations who likewise were at the European body's annual congress.

Without naming anyone, Platini said: "Certain people are perhaps trying to turn us against each other, seeking to divide and rule.

"They are trying to isolate the supposedly arrogant and selfish Europeans."

French riot police run toward the terraces after Bastia won in penalty shoot-outs the French League …

"Do not believe everything that you hear," said Platini.