Michel Platini 'will not withdraw from race to become FIFA president'

Michel Platini has reportedly decided not to withdraw from the race to become the next FIFA president after being questioned by Swiss authorities regarding a payment.

The UEFA president has been called up as a witness by the authorities in relation to a "disloyal" payment that he received from Sepp Blatter.

Blatter, who will step down from the FIFA presidency next February, is facing criminal proceedings over the £1.34m payment that was transferred in 2011.

According to BBC Sport, Platini, who has claimed that the sum was for work that he did for Blatter from 1999 to 2002, is meeting with his advisors today, but will not withdraw his candidacy from the presidential election.

The Frenchman, whose campaign was backed by the English Football Association, is no longer the favourite to replace Blatter next year.