Platini hopeful new document can clear his name at FIFA

PARIS (AP) - Michel Platini is hopeful that a new memo allegedly showing a payment agreement with suspended FIFA boss Sepp Blatter will clear his name in a corruption case, and re-ignite the Frenchman's bid to become the next president of world soccer's governing body.

Facing a possible life ban for corruption, the suspended UEFA president was charged over a controversial $2 million payment from FIFA in 2011 that Blatter approved as backdated salary for work by Platini as a presidential adviser from 1998-2002.

Platini's communication team said Sunday that a 23-page memo they obtained earlier this week shows that UEFA's executive committee was aware of a deal with Blatter as early as November 1998.

Blatter and Platini are expected to appear before the FIFA ethics committee within two weeks.