FIFA president Sepp Blatter has described as “pure nonsense” a report that he may stand down early and make way for Michel Platini.

The report quoted “insiders” saying Blatter was considering such a move but he insists that is not the case.

Blatter was re-elected unopposed in June but has promised to step down at the end of his four-year term. Platini, the UEFA president, is seen as his most likely successor.

Blatter said on his Twitter account: “The existence of a reported ‘deal’ between me and Michel Platini for the FIFA presidency is pure nonsense.

“The suggestion that I intend to stop my four-year mandate before its end is simply ridiculous.”

Blatter had been challenged by Mohamed Bin Hammam, who pulled out of the race days before the election after being charged with bribery during his presidential campaign.

The Qatari was banned for life by FIFA’s ethics committee in July but has appealed against the decision.

FIFA’s appeals committee will hear his case in Zurich today. The hearing could be completed on the day although it could spill over into tomorrow.

Bin Hammam was banned after the ethics committee ruled he was responsible for cash gifts totalling around 1million US dollars (£620,000) to officials from associations belonging to the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) at a meeting in Trinidad on May 10.

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