Sepp Blatter refuses to step down as FIFA president despite criminal probe as he insists he has done nothing 'illegal or improper'

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Sepp Blatter's attorney Richard Cullen released a statement on Monday
Statement says FIFA president has done 'nothing illegal or improper'
Blatter had criminal proceedings opened by Swiss attorney general
He was interrogated by Swiss investigators at the headquarters last week
FIFA president accused of 'disloyal' payment of £1.35m to Michel Platini
Blatter intends to stay as FIFA president until February

Published: 10:36 EST, 28 September 2015 | Updated: 12:39 EST, 28 September 2015

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Sepp Blatter has stated he will remain as FIFA president despite the opening of criminal proceedings against him because he has done nothing wrong or improper, according to a statement from his lawyer.

Blatter also insisted the £1.3million payment to UEFA president Michel Platini for work done more than nine years previously was legitimate.

Both Blatter and Platini are being investigated by FIFA's ethics committee following the opening of the proceedings against the FIFA president.

Sepp Blatter released a statement via his attorney saying that 'he had done nothing illegal or improper'

Blatter was accused of making a 'disloyal' payment of £1.35m to UEFA president Michel Platini (left)

A statement from Blatter's lawyer said: 'President Blatter spoke to FIFA staff today and informed the staff that he was cooperating with the authorities, reiterated that he had done nothing illegal or improper and stated that he would remain as president of FIFA.'

The proceedings against Blatter were opened by the Swiss attorney general on Friday and concerned TV rights deals sold to the now-disgraced former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner and the payment to Platini.

The statement added: 'On the Platini matter, President Blatter on Friday shared with the Swiss authorities the fact that Mr Platini had a valuable employment relationship with FIFA serving as an advisor to the president beginning in 1998. He explained to the prosecutors that the payments were valid compensation and nothing more and were properly accounted for within FIFA including the withholding of Social Security contributions.

'Because of the continuing investigation President Blatter will answer no further questions at this time.'

FIFA president Blatter is under suspicion for the criminal mismanagement of FIFA funds

Blatter was questioned in his own office by police in Zurich last week, who also seized his computer data

FIFA cancelled a press conference with Blatter last Friday - just minutes before it was due to start

Platini also released a letter he has sent to the 54 UEFA associations insisting the payment had been above board and declared to the Swiss authorities - but he did not address the burning issue of why it had taken nine years for the money to be paid to him.

The Frenchman, who had been the favourite to succeed Blatter in February's election, did admit that the controversy may damage his reputation.

He said: 'I'm aware these events may harm my image and reputation... and I wish to use all energies to ensure that any issues or misunderstandings can be resolved as soon as possible.'

Platini also disclosed he has written to FIFA's ethics committee asking that he can clarify the payment with them.

At 4.21pm local time Friday, the Swiss Attorney General's office announced criminal proceedings on Blatter

Blatter's lawyer said he is co-operating with investigations and that 'no mismanagement occurred'

Secretary general Jerome Valcke (right) was suspended from FIFA amid investigations into ticket deals

FULL MICHEL PLATINI STATEMENT

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am sure that you have all taken note of the events that occurred last Friday in Zurich.

I am also aware that in this matter, there is speculation about the facts that concern me personally. You will surely understand that firstly I have not been accused of any wrongdoing, and secondly that as a matter of respect, I will refrain from making detailed statements in connection with the ongoing investigation.

Still, for reasons of transparency, I would like to inform you about the following important aspects.

I wish to clarify that for the period of 1998 to 2002 I was employed by FIFA to work on a wide range of matters relating to football. It was a full-time job and my functions were known by all.

The remuneration was agreed at the time and after initial payments were made, the final outstanding among of 2 million Swiss Francs was paid in February of 2011.

This income has been fully declared by me to the authorities, in accordance with Swiss law.

I was interviewed by the 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.

Furthermore, I have, today, written to the Ethics Committee of FIFA to request that I may come forward and provide whatever additional information may be needed in order to clear this matter up.

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.

Your sincerely,

Michel Platini