UEFA chief Michel Platini addresses role in FIFA controversy
UEFA boss Michel Platini released a statement Monday concerning allegations he was the recipient of a "disloyal payment" of two million Swiss francs from FIFA boss Sepp Blatter.
Related: UEFA's Michel Platini implicated in criminal proceedings against Sepp Blatter
In his letter to UEFA member associations, Platini claims the remuneration was a legal payment, and he fully declared it when pressed by authorities who searched FIFA offices Friday.
Platini also pointed out he cooperated with The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) in the matter, and is not a person of interest, rather a cooperative party in the process.
"I was interviewed by Swiss authorities about this matter last Friday, not as a person accused of any wrongdoing, but simply in my capacity as a person providing information," the statement reads.
The ex-French international's announcement comes on the back of assurances made by Blatter on Monday that he won't step down prior to his planned retirement in February.
Related: Sepp Blatter denies any 'illegal or improper' conduct, says he will remain FIFA president
"I am aware that these events may harm my image and my reputation and by consequence, the image of UEFA, the organisation of which I am proud to be President. For these reasons, I wish to use all my energies to ensure that any issues or misunderstandings can be resolved as soon as possible," Platini's letter finishes.
One element of the discussion that Platini's statement fails to mention is why the payment from FIFA came nine years after his work for the governing body.
Despite the controversy, Platini still plans to run for the FIFA top job following Blatter's retirement, making his attempts to save face that much more important during a period littered with low points for football's governing body.
Here's Platini's statement in full:
(Courtesy: @DanRoan)