MONACO – UEFA president Michel Platini criticized FIFA president Sepp Blatter's autocratic style Friday saying that important decisions regarding soccer's future had not been discussed by FIFA's executive committee. The 57-year-old Frenchman is against the use of goalline technology which was approved by FIFA in July, following a change of heart by Blatter two years ago. “When you talk about technology, FIFA didn't decide on goalline technology, President Blatter did,” Platini told reporters at an informal gathering in Monte Carlo. “No one in the executive committee was consulted, nor was anyone in any other FIFA committees invited to give their views. It was just the FIFA president along with IFAB (the body that determines the laws of the game). He's in charge and it's up to him.” IFAB comprises the four British associations, who have four votes and FIFA, who also have four votes and proposals need a majority of six to become law. Platini, a member of FIFA's Executive Committee, said the issue was never discussed by him or other members of the committee. Platini is against goalline technology and instead prefers the additional assistant referees (AAR) system which UEFA has adopted. No one from FIFA was available to make a statement on Platini's comments. City signs Maicon Manchester City completed a double swoop for Inter Milan defender Maicon and Swansea winger Scott Sinclair as the Premier League champion set the pace in the frantic final hours before the transfer window closes Friday. City boss Roberto Mancini has endured a frustrating time in the transfer market since the end of last season, but there has been a late flurry of activity at Eastlands and his £6 million move for Sinclair was followed by the surprise capture of right-back Maicon for £3 million, as well as the arrival of former Arsenal goalkeeper Richard Wright on a free transfer. To make room for his fresh recruits, Mancini sold Nigel de Jong to AC Milan, while Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz could be on the move to Malaga. Fulham boss Martin Jol sealed a significant coup for his club as he signed Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov from Manchester United for £5 million. Berbatov rejected interest from Juventus, Fiorentina and Tottenham to be reunited with Jol, who worked with the forward at Spurs. Jol also brought in former England left-back Kieran Richardson from Sunderland, who then landed Tottenham defender Danny Rose on loan as a replacement. Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers continued his Anfield clear-out as Scotland international Charlie Adam was sold to Stoke for £4 million, while fellow midfielder Jay Spearing joined Bolton on a season-long loan. Tottenham also look set for a busy day after Holland midfielder Rafael van der Vaart headed to Germany to re-sign for his former club Hamburg and Mexico forward Giovani Dos Santos agreed a move to Real Mallorca. That could prompt a significant spending spree from Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas, who is reported to be interested in Porto midfielder Joao Moutinho and Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who was reported to be at the club's training ground to finalise his transfer. Swansea, needing a replacement for Sinclair, are hoping to sign Valencia winger Pablo Hernandez for £5.5million and the Spaniard is undergoing a medical at the Liberty Stadium. Arsenal allowed South Korea striker Park Chu-young to go out on loan to Celta Vigo with a view to a permanent switch. Nicklas Bendtner also looks to be heading out of the Emirates Stadium as the Denmark striker is reportedly undergoing a medical with Italian champions Juventus.— Agencies
