THE draw for the 1998 World Cup in France was a FIX.
That's according to Michel Platini, the former president of Uefa.
He made the astonishing claim while giving testimony over a £1.35million payment from ex-Fifa boss Sepp Blatter in 2018.
Platini claimed he was part of a plot to make sure France and Brazil would not meet in the tournament until the final.
The duo eventually clashed in the showpiece event, with France emerging victorious 3-0.
Platini said: "What FIFA did to the president of FIFA and me is scandalous, they made us out to be cheaters, fraudsters, money launderers.
READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
Get £20 in free bets when you stake £5 on football with Ladbrokes
Ref Taylor ‘BARRED from Argentina’s World Cup final win’ due to bizarre policy
"Just so that I wouldn't become president.
"It's not easy when you're known worldwide to be criticised worldwide, especially when you have children and grandchildren.
"I hope there will be justice one day."
Referring to the draw fix, he told French radio: “When we organised the calendar, we did a little trickery.”
Most read in Football
SAUDI SANCHO
Jadon Sancho ‘sent Saudi offer’ after shock bust-up with Man Utd boss Ten Hag
TERRY’S AL GOLD
John Terry to join Saudi Pro League as he makes managerial breakthrough
WREX BOMB
Fans call Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham a ‘laughing stock’ after EFL cancel transfer
GET WELL STEVE
Newcastle icon Harper rushed to hospital after suffering brain haemorrhage
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
Platini successfully got a change in the rules keeping France and Brazil separated until the final, having been named co-president of the World Cup Organising Committee in 1992.
Platini added: “If we finished first in the group and Brazil finished first, we could not meet before the final.
“We did not work until we were bored for six years to organise the World Cup not to do some little shenanigans.
“When you are at home, you want to be able to enjoy things.
“You think the others do not do it for their World Cups? France against Brazil in the final, that was the dream of everyone.”
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and confirmed switches from the world of football
Source: Read Full Article