PARIS: FIFA's ethics watchdog wants Michel Platini to be banned for life over a suspect payment, the European football chief's lawyer declared on Tuesday.

Platini is serving a 90-day suspension on corruption charges over a $2 million payment he received from FIFA president Sepp Blatter who is also suspended.

Platini's lawyer Thibaud d'Ales described FIFA's life ban demand as a “scandal” and “excessive”.

Blatter's representatives refused to comment on whether the same request has been made against the Swiss official.

FIFA's investigatory chamber announced Monday that it has opened a case and a decision is expected to be handed down next month. Until then Platini is forbidden to take part in the race to become Blatter's successor as president of FIFA.

He is one of five official candidates to run football's scandal-hit ruling body with the election scheduled for February 26.