FIFA dampens Platini's ban reversal hopes

FIFA appears to have little interest in reconsidering Michel Platini's ban from football-related activities after the former France star and ex-UEFA president announced his desire to return to the game.

In 2015 the 62-year-old was suspended for six years, later reduced to four on appeal, following a FIFA Ethics Committee investigation into his conduct.

The Frenchman came under scrutiny over his financial dealings with ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter. Both have always denied any wrongdoing.

During a series of recent media appearances, Platini claimed to have been cleared by Swiss authorities of any wrongdoing and announced his desire to explore a potential return to football. 

A spokesperson for the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland told Omnisport: "The Federal Prosecutor's Office has confirmed that no action is currently being taken against Michel Platini."

FIFA, though, has reiterated that the ban imposed on Platini remains unaffected by any separate legal considerations. 

"Mr. Platini was suspended for breaching the FIFA Code of Ethics," a FIFA spokesperson said in a statement provided to Omnisport.

"The decision was upheld by CAS [the Court of Arbitration for Sport], which confirmed the charges but reduced the length of the suspension. 

"It has always been very clear to FIFA and CAS that Mr. Platini had never been the target of a criminal investigation in Switzerland. 

"The ingredients of a criminal offence under Swiss law are different from the ingredients of the offences set out by the FIFA Code of ethics. 

"Neither the FIFA Ethics Commission nor the CAS have looked at the question of whether Mr. Platini committed a criminal offence. 

"The CAS's finding that Mr. Platini committed several breaches of the Code of Ethics has been confirmed by the Swiss Supreme Court. 

"Moreover, as noted by the CAS itself in the Award confirmed by the Swiss Supreme Court, the standard of proof in sports ethical proceeding is lower than in criminal proceedings."

Platini's legal representatives are yet to respond to requests to comment on his remarks.