Villar replaces Platini as head of World Cup committee

Spanish Football Federation president Angel Maria Villar Llona has replaced Michel Platini as the head of FIFA’s World Cup organising committee.

Platini is currently serving a provisional 90-day suspension implemented by FIFA after being named a person of interest in the ongoing criminal investigation into the governing body and its president, Sepp Blatter.

FIFA announced on Monday that Villar will take up the post on a temporary basis following an extraordinary meeting of the executive committee.

Acting FIFA president Issa Hayatou, who took temporary charge following Blatter’s own provisional ban, has assumed position of acting chairman of the FIFA emergency committee. Villar replaces Platini as the UEFA representative.

Former Spain midfielder Villar, 65, is a former FIFA vice-president and head of the referee’s committee.

FIFA made the announcements after confirming that the electoral congress, when Blatter’s successor is due to be named, will be held on the planned date of February 26 next year, despite suggestions it could be moved due to Blatter and Platini’s current suspensions.

The executive committee also welcomed provisional suggestions to changes to the ethics code, aimed at making the governing body more “transparent” in its future dealings.