Michel Platini campaign 'rocking' after Sepp Blatter allegations, Mark Palios says
Friday 25 September 2015 20:00, UK
Michel Platini's bid to become FIFA president is "rocking" in the wake of the Sepp Blatter allegations, according to Mark Palios.
Blatter is the subject of a two-pronged criminal investigation by the Swiss attorney, and one of the allegations is that he made "a disloyal payment" to UEFA boss Platini in 2011.
Platini has said a payment to him from FIFA, which forms part of a Swiss criminal investigation into Blatter, 'relates to work which I carried out under a contract' and he 'was pleased to have been able to clarify all matters' to the authorities.
The Frenchman is currently the front-runner to replace Blatter, who is due to stand down from the presidency after a February election, and has the backing of the Football Association.
Platini is not the subject of any criminal investigation, and the FA's former chief executive Palios told Sky Sports News HQ: "We've got to understand what the facts of the matter are.
"But at first glance it rather feels like Platini's presidential campaign is holed beneath the water line by virtue of fact that if that payment is verified and - even if legal - is seen to be disloyal, it's against FIFA's interests.
"How can somebody stand as president if he has received a payment that is disloyal to FIFA?
"It's a very difficult positon. As the facts come out only then will we know, but at this point in time it feels like Platini's campaign is rocking."
In a statement, Platini said: " I was asked by the Swiss authorities to provide information relating to the ongoing investigations surrounding FIFA. I have always been open to supporting the relevant bodies and authorities in their investigative work and therefore cooperated fully.
"Regarding the payment that was made to me, I wish to state that this amount relates to work which I carried out under a contract with FIFA and I was pleased to have been able to clarify all matters relating to this with the authorities.
"Today I also made clear to the Swiss authorities that since I live in Switzerland I am available to speak with them any time to clarify any matters relating to the investigations."
Platini is one of several men to declare an interest in succeeding Blatter: Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan confirmed his candidacy earlier this month, while South Korean Chung Mong-joon, Liberian Musa Bility and former Brazil star Zico are others intending to run.
