UEFA boss Johansson unimpressed with rival Platini's plans
Paris (dpa) - UEFA president Lennart Johansson has criticised the programme of his rival for the post, Michel Platini, and expressed optimism he would be re-elected early next year.
"I have not been able to find much new. There is nothing special there," he told the French sports newspaper L'Equipe on Thursday.
Johansson, 77, also rejected Platini's suggested reforms of the Champions League in which only a maximum of three teams from one country would be allowed to compete.
"Giving the small ones a chance is a good thing, but there are more basic problems (to deal with) such as doping, violence and discrimination," he said.
Johannson described Platini as an "intelligent and charming person" who was knowledgeable about football, but "for this post you need experience."
A neck-and-neck race is predicted between the Swedish UEFA chief and former France captain Michel Platini in the election in Dusseldorf, Germany on January 26.
Johansson had originally said he would not stand for re-election as president of European football's federation but changed his mind earlier this year when Platini decided to run for the post.
After 16 years in office, Johansson said he was confident of winning re-election.
"I am optimistic and believe in people and what they are telling me," he said. However he would be a "good loser" should Platini win.
"Then I will congratulate the winner and go," he said.
Last month, Platini sharply criticised Johansson in an interview in Germany's Kicker magazine, saying the Swede was absent from his post too often.
Platini is currently targeting Europe's smaller football federations in his efforts to defeat Johansson.
He is also looking to limit to three the number of teams from each country allowed compete in the Champions League, and said that if elected he would strengthen the powers of the president as well as the UEFA executive. // © 2006 DPA
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