Platini's fading FIFA presidential bid faces ethics test

Zurich - Michel Platini's fading chance of becoming FIFA president is being tested at an ethics hearing into his $2m payment for work as Sepp Blatter's adviser.

Platini, who potentially faces a ban of several years for a conflict of interest, has refused to attend at FIFA headquarters.

His lawyers have denounced "a process he regards as solely political and intended to prevent him from standing" in the February 26 election.

Platini, the UEFA President, was favorite to succeed Blatter until Swiss investigators questioned him in September over suspected criminal mismanagement at FIFA.

Platini and Blatter, who attended his hearing Thursday, were suspended by FIFA ethics judge Joachim Eckert pending verdicts expected next week.