UEFA President and former Juventus midfielder Michel Platini says Sepp Blatter being re-elected would be bad for FIFA.

World football’s governing body is holding elections this week, with Blatter almost certain to be returned, with only Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein opposing him.

“My position is, as I’ve said many times, that FIFA needs a new leader,” Platini revealed in an interview with l’Equipe.

Genoa have appealed to the Italian Olympic Committee as they seek a licence to play in UEFA competition.

The Grifone were denied a UEFA licence by the FIGC, having failed to name a stadium in which they could play.

Stadio Luigi Ferraris, the club’s home ground is not considered up to scratch, and while co-tenants Sampdoria have agreed to play at Sassuolo’s Mapei Stadium, Genoa have failed to find a solution.

UEFA President Michel Platini says Financial Fair Play is ‘here to stay’ and warns Inter and Roma ‘existing settlements will remain in force’.

The Nerazzurri and the Lupi were both sanctioned by UEFA for breaching FFP rules, with the pair copping a fine and having their European squads limited.

Genoa will appeal the denial of a UEFA licence, but their lawyer admits “we don’t have much time.”

The Italian authorities refused to grant Genoa a licence to play in European competitions next season, as the Stadio Luigi Ferraris – also known as Marassi – is not up to code.

Sampdoria share the stadium with them, but registered Sassuolo’s Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia as an alternative for European home games.

The FIGC has released its list of clubs which have been granted a UEFA licence, with Genoa not among the names.

The Grifone were denied a licence to play in European competition next season, after missing a deadline and failing to name a suitable stadium to play in.

Stadio Luigi Ferraris needs redevelopment work to meet UEFA standards, and while Sampdoria will play at Sassuolo’s Mapei Stadium, their city rivals have given no alternative.

UEFA are reportedly set to relax their Financial Fair Play rules in a move that could potentially impact on Inter, Roma and Milan.

The Nerazzurri and Giallorossi were fined by UEFA and handed squad limitations for next season earlier this month after breaching FFP rules.

The potential takeover of Milan could also be affected by a change in regulations, which as they stand would limit the amount any new owner could invest.

UEFA President Michel Platini believes that Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is not a star player on the same level as Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

The former Juventus great criticised the French international’s low goal tally and expressed his belief that this must improve if he were to be considered a great.

“Pogba isn’t a superstar,” Platini said to RTL.

“A great footballing star is someone who scores a lot of goals.

It’s claimed Juventus have asked UEFA for water breaks during tonight’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

The Spanish capital is in the grip of a heatwave ahead of tonight’s semi-final second leg, with temperatures expected to be above 30 degrees at kick-off time.

Spanish newspaper AS reports that the Bianconeri have therefore petitioned UEFA to be allowed water breaks, which the governing body is considering

Genoa President Enrico Preziosi says it would be ‘a mockery’ if the Grifone were barred from playing in Europe should they qualify.

The club is currently appealing a ruling which saw them denied a UEFA licence for next season, meaning that they could not compete in the Europa League.

Genoa have lodged a formal appeal after they were denied a UEFA licence.

The FIGC turned down their application for a UEFA licence, reportedly due to late paperwork as well as issues with the Luigi Ferraris stadium.

Genoa released a statement this afternoon confirming they have already begun the procedure to appeal.

Without a UEFA licence, the Grifone won’t be able to register for the Europa League, even if they qualify in the top six of the Serie A table.