UEFA's Michel Platini implicated in criminal proceedings against Sepp Blatter

Swiss investigators named UEFA president Michel Platini as an alleged recipient of a "disloyal payment" from FIFA counterpart Sepp Blatter on Friday, casting doubt on Platini's own candidature for president of world football's governing body.

The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland opened criminal proceedings against Blatter, 79, and detailed a transaction that also implicated Platini.

Related: Swiss investigators open criminal investigation against Sepp Blatter

The office suspects Blatter made a "disloyal payment" of two million Swiss francs (just over $2 million) to Platini at FIFA's expense in February 2011. It was for work performed between January 1999 and June 2002, but it is unclear why it took nine years to pay.

Investigators also asked Platini to provide information as a witness.

"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 said in a statement.

"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 a member of the FIFA executive committee, and recently announced his intention to replace Blatter as president in the next election, which is set for Feb. 26.

Blatter announced his resignation earlier this year.