PARIS, June 3. /ITAR-TASS/. UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) President Michel Platini says a British newspaper’s report alleging his involvement into a bribery scandal seek to “tarnish” his reputation.

The Daily Telegraph alleged that Platini held a “secret meeting” with the former president of the Asian Football Confederation Mohamed Bin Hammam, who was accused of making slush fund payments to secure Qatar’s victory in a bid for World Cup 2022 host country.

"I find it incredible that talks with a FIFA executive committee member colleague at the time can be transformed into a state conspiracy," Platini said. “I certainly met Mr Mohamed Bin Hammam several times in 2010 as we were both executive committee members since 2002. In these conversations, the object of the discussions was the candidacy for the FIFA presidency. Mr Bin Hammam was in fact seeking to convince me to stand for the FIFA presidency in the 2011 elections," Platini added.