European football's governing body UEFA has opened its congress here ahead of Friday's vote for president between veteran incumbent Lennart Johansson and French challenger Michel Platini.

The secret vote of the 52 national football federations is expected to be close with a simple majority vote needed to secure one of the most powerful posts in world football.

Swede Johansson at 77 has been UEFA president since 1990 overseeing huge growth in the financing and organisation of European football.

But French footballing legend Platini at 51, says he wants to see changes and notably wants more say given to the smaller European countries against the giants like England, Germany, Spain and Italy.

Their rivalry has turned bitter at times with Platini accusing Johansson of having a personal vendetta against him and the Swede countering that Platini lacked experience and clout.

The UEFA congress will also look Wednesday at applications for membership from Montenegro following that country's divorce from Serbia and the tiny British territory of Gibraltar which would infuruate Spain if it is successful.

Provided by AFP.