Beckenbauer Bids for UEFA Top Job

Franz Beckenbauer is expected to put himself forward for the job of UEFA president if he gets support from the German federation and leaders within European soccer's governing body. "First of all it has to be seen if Mr (Lennart) Johansson is really going to retire," Beckenbauer told Thursday's Bild newspaper. "Then if I have support from the DFB and UEFA, I'd be ready to seriously consider the job." Beckenbauer, who led Germany to World Cup victory as captain in and coach, has been insinuating that he would be interested in succeeding UEFA president Lennart Johansson after he retires, as scheduled, in 2006. The German legend has upped his bid after former France captain and manager Michel Platini recently announced his candidacy for UEFA's top job. Beckenbauer's name has also been mentioned as a possible successor to FIFA president Sepp Blatter but he has emphatically and repeatedly ruled out having any designs on that job.