NYON, Switzerland – Michel Platini has answered FIFA President Sepp Blatter's barbs over UEFA's plan to host the 2020 European Championship in 13 countries.
Blatter used an interview with German sports magazine Kicker last week to suggest the multinational plan "lacks soul and heart."
Platini responds in Kicker's edition being published on Thursday that the "innovative and visionary" hosting idea was agreed to by every UEFA member except Turkey.
The UEFA president says Blatter's comment doesn't attack him but "is really an attack on 52 out of 53 European football associations."
Platini insists "I get on perfectly well" with Blatter. Blatter has voiced opposite opinions to Platini recently, in possible sparring ahead of the 2015 FIFA presidential election.
Platini was seen as favorite until Blatter's hints he won't step aside as previously promised.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.