This story is free to read.

Michel Platini defends FIFA payment under investigation

FILE - In this Friday, May 29, 2015 file photo, FIFA president Sepp Blatter after his election as President, left, is greeted by UEFA President Michel Platini, right, at the Hallenstadion in Zurich, Switzerland. On Friday, Sept. 25, 2015 Swiss attorney general opened criminal proceedings against FIFA President Sepp Blatter. (Patrick B. Kraemer/Keystone via AP, File) FILE - In this Friday, May 29, 2015 file photo, FIFA president Sepp Blatter after his election as President, left, is greeted by UEFA President Michel Platini, right, at the Hallenstadion in Zurich, Switzerland. On Friday, Sept. 25, 2015 Swiss attorney general opened criminal proceedings against FIFA President Sepp Blatter. (Patrick B. Kraemer/Keystone via AP, File)

By Associated Press September 25, 2015 1 min read

ZURICH (AP) – UEFA President Michel Platini says a payment to him being looked into by Swiss authorities was for work carried out under contract at FIFA.

Platini was questioned as a witness Friday about taking a “disloyal payment” of 2 million Swiss francs (now $2.04 million) of FIFA money in February 2011 for work performed between 1999 and 2002.

Platini says in a statement that “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.”

Platini added: “I have always been open to supporting the relevant bodies and authorities in their investigative work and therefore cooperated fully.”