Michel Platini confirms payment from Fifa

Michel Platini has confirmed a £1.3m (€1.75m) payment from Fifa came more than nine years after he worked for the organisation but did not provide the reasons for the lengthy delay.

The Uefa president, who is standing for the Fifa presidency, sent a letter to all 54 member associations insisting the payment was above board but admitted the controversy could harm his image.

Outgoing Fifa president Sepp Blatter has also stated he will remain in the post despite the opening of criminal proceedings against him because he “has done nothing wrong or improper”, according to a statement from his lawyer.