Michel Platini's statement in full| READ

UEFA president Michel Platini has launched a staunch
defence in the face of claims that he could be banned
by FIFA's Ethics Committee.

Michel Platini has hit out at what he claims are "insidious"
attempts to damage his reputation, following reports that he
is facing suspension by the FIFA Ethics Committee.

UEFA chief Platini, who is running for the FIFA presidency, has
faced scrutiny over an alleged "disloyal" payment made to him
by the outgoing Sepp Blatter, which forms part of criminal
proceedings opened against the Swiss last month.

Reports on Wednesday suggested that both Blatter and Platini
are facing potential 90-day bans from the world governing
body's adjudicatory chamber, but the Frenchman has
now launched a stinging defence.

His statement released to the media read:

"It was reported last night that the investigatory chamber of the
FIFA Ethics Committee intends to recommend to its
adjudicatory chamber that I be given a 90-day suspension.

This is clearly an extremely serious matter – all the more so
given that this information appears to have come from an
official FIFA source, despite the fact that the Ethics Committee,
which is supposed to act with full independence, has not yet
issued its decision.

This deliberate leak – which is insidious in nature and has come
about in an unacceptable manner – is essentially an attempt to
damage my reputation.

Over the last few weeks, I have stressed my willingness to
cooperate fully with the authorities carrying out the various
enquiries in compliance with the strictest procedural rules. FIFA,
on the other hand, has clearly flouted those rules.

I have always acted and expressed myself with honesty,
courage and candour, as I feel that this is my moral duty. If
what is being reported regarding the intentions of the
investigatory chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee is indeed
true, I will stop at nothing to ensure that the truth is known.

Nobody should be in any doubt as to my determination to
achieve that objective.

In the meantime, a dispassionate, independent and impartial
judicial body needs to shine a light on the events that led the
FIFA Ethics Committee to open these investigatory proceedings.

This morning I submitted the letters of support that are required
in order to stand as a candidate for the presidency of FIFA. As I
have always done since 2007, I will fulfil my obligations after
consulting UEFA’s 54 member associations, which I will ask to
convene shortly in Nyon. I will also meet with all the other
confederations and FIFA’s member associations in the spirit of
openness that has always characterised my actions.

I am certain that we will overcome this difficulty with full
transparency and the unity that gives football its strength."

Michel Platini

UEFA President