With the beautiful game engulfed in scandal, European football has turned its attention to a more positive affair.
France is celebrating one year to go until the UEFA Euro 2016 championships kick off in the capital Paris.
French President François Hollande received the President of the European
footballing body and fellow Frenchman Michel Platini at the Elysée Palace to commemorate the occasion.
Michel Platini handed the first ticket of #EURO2016 to French president fhollande. #LeRendezVous pic.twitter.com/xm8ECrZzoM— UEFA EURO 2016 (UEFAEURO) June 10, 2015
Tickets have now gone on sale for UEFA’s month-long flagship tournament.
But despite the celebratory atmosphere in Paris, there are the usual worries about the cost of the competition – both financially and in terms of reputation.
Rumours are rife that Platini could run for the FIFA presidency following Sepp Blatter’s shock exit amid a corruption scandal.
