DUESSELDORF, Germany (AP):

ON THE eve of UEFA's presidential election, long-time incumbent Lennart Johansson and challenger Michel Platini both claim to have enough support to win.

Today's vote by the 52 European national soccer federation presidents is by secret ballot, and few have come out publicly for their favorite.

Johansson, a 77-year-year-old Swede, has held the post since 1990 and is seeking a fifth term. Platini, 51, was a three-time European player of the year who led France to the European Championship title in 1984.

The German soccer federation, DFB, is backing Johansson. The Germans are grateful to him for helping them win the right to host last year's World Cup.

More successful UEFA president

"We have a lot to thank Lennart Johansson for," Franz Beckenbauer said. "It's the duty of the DFB (German federation) to support Johansson at this election. There has never been a better or a more successful UEFA president than Lennart Johansson."

Some other big federations are also believed to be behind Johansson. But with each nation having one vote, the size of the federation does not matter. Platini has been touring smaller European nations to canvass support.

Johansson's camp claims it has the confirmed support of 36 federations, including Spain. Some east European nations, including Poland and Serbia, are believed to back Platini. FIFA president Sepp Blatter has indicated he backs Platini because of his age and playing experience.

Admiration

Blatter, speaking yesterday at the formal opening of the UEFA congress, did not hide his admiration for Platini - while insisting he was neutral in the election. Blatter has no vote.

"But as FIFA chief - and this is not to belittle Lennart Johansson's merits - I have sympathy for the man that has been by my side since 1988, for Michel Platini," Blatter said.

Platini has held various FIFA posts since then.

Johansson also addressed the gathering but did not mention the election.