FIFA approves five presidential candidates, Platini pending

Journalists are reflected in FIFA's logo as they wait during an extraordinary meeting of the FIFA Executive Committee in front of FIFA's headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland October 20, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

Platini invoked Liverpool fans' famous Anfield battle cry as a means to thank his backers.

"I want to thank all the signatories of this letter for their support," he told News Tank Football website.

"Their initiative touched me and further strengthens my resolve (to be FIFA president) -- I will never walk alone."

Platini's lawyers, meanwhile said that their client was "astounded" how slow the process was for FIFA to decide on his appeal against the suspension.

The appeal was lodged with FIFA by the lawyers on October 10.

"Mr Platini is astounded that FIFA's appeal commission, with whom he lodged an appeal several weeks ago, still has not made a decision," said a statement from Platini's lawyers.

"This surprising delay is totally inconsistent with the urgency invoked by the ethics committee to justify the provisional sanction imposed on him.

"Mr Platini remains a confirmed candidate for the FIFA presidency."