Blatter won't step down

FIFA president Sepp Blatter told his staff he planned to remain in his role until February, his lawyer confirmed on Monday.

Speaking at a regular staff meeting, Blatter - who is subject of criminal proceedings from the Office of the Swiss Attnorney General - said he has done "nothing illegal or improper."

The full statement released by Blatter's attorney read: "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.

"On the (UEFA President Michel) 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 adviser 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."

The 79-year old will still step down as planned in February, but will not leave the role he has held at FIFA since 1998 before then.

The criminal proceedings opened against Blatter on Friday involve two payments made to Jack Warner and UEFA president Michel Platini. The French cheif of UEFA said in a statement he released shortly after this that the payments made to him were "for work under contract with FIFA."