Michel Platini

Platini calls for tough action against racism

Platini calls for tough action against racismNyon, Switzerland - Europe's governing football body UEFA on Tuesday called for tough action against racism in football stadiums and said they would not rule out abandoning matches.

"It is our wish that matches are interrupted for ten minutes if there are racist chants in a stadium. There should also be stadium announcements. If the chants continue the game should be abandoned," UEFA President Michel Platini said.

"We need to be brave when there is racism on the terraces. That is UEFA's brief."

Platini gives Poland thumbs up for Euro 2012

Platini gives Poland thumbs up for Euro 2012Warsaw  - UEFA president Michel Platini gave Poland the thumbs up Thursday after an inspection in Warsaw on the country's preparations for the Euro 2012 football championships.

Platini said he did not see any problems in Poland and was convinced Euro 2012, being co-hosted with Ukraine, would be a success.

The former France international said Poland would have beautiful stadiums, but more importantly football would develop in the former Soviet bloc.