EUROPEAN soccer governing body UEFA has complained to FIFA about an alleged attempt to discredit its president Michel Platini, who is currently the favorite to succeed Sepp Blatter as head of the world governing body.

    FIFA confirmed Monday that they will investigate the alleged distribution from their headquarters of an anonymous heavily critical “dossier” on Platini.

    German newspaper Welt am Sonntag said Sunday that the document, entitled “Platini — skeleton in the closet,” was distributed out of FIFA’s headquarters.

    The newspaper said it paints an unflattering picture of the former France international and questions his suitability for the role of FIFA president.

    The existence of the dossier on Platini, who is hoping to replace outgoing Blatter in February’s election, has also been reported in the Swiss media.

    “FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke has received a letter from UEFA regarding the said subject,” said FIFA in a statement.

    “In his answer to UEFA, the FIFA Secretary General has confirmed that FIFA is investigating the matter.”

    In addition to Valcke, UEFA said they had also sent their complaint to Cornel Borbely, a Swiss attorney who is FIFA’s independent chief ethics investigator, and Domenico Scala, independent chairman of FIFA’s Audit and Compliance Committee and chairman of the ad-hoc election committee.

    FIFA will hold an election Feb. 26 to choose a replacement for Blatter, who said in June he was standing down from his role in the wake of the corruption scandals that have hit the global soccer body.

    Platini’s relationship with Blatter has deteriorated badly.

    (SD-Agencies)