Platini's FIFA candidacy fails to excite Africa

UEFA President Michel Platini addresses a news conference after a UEFA meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, in this May 28, 2015 file photo. REUTERS/Ruben Sprich/Files

CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - Michel Platini’s bid for the FIFA presidency has garnered no immediate enthusiasm from Africa despite France’s strong footballing ties with the continent.

A day after confirming he would stand to replace Sepp Blatter as leader of world football, the Frenchman has been criticised by one African association and given a lukewarm endorsement by one of his closest allies.