Thursday 17 December 2015 17:26, UK
FIFA president Sepp Blatter appeared before FIFA's ethics committee in Zurich on Thursday as he attempted to clear his name.
The 79-year-old, who is suspended from his role, had been expected to tell four judges, including committee chairman Hans Joachim Eckert, that he is innocent of wrongdoing after he entered the headquarters of football's world governing body for the first time since October.
Blatter was due to answer charges over a £1.35m payment made to UEFA president Michel Platini in 2011.
"Blatter looks forward to a decision in his favour, because the evidence requires it," Blatter's lawyer, Richard Cullen, said in a statement after the hearing.
"The evidence demonstrates that president Blatter behaved properly and certainly did not violate FIFA's code of ethics. This investigation should be closed and the suspension lifted."
The adjudicatory chamber of the ethics committee has the power to ban Blatter and Platini from football for life, and a decision is expected next week.
Blatter has always maintained his innocence and he outlined his position in letters to all 209 member associations ahead of his hearing.
He said he would present his defence with great conviction and a strong sense of justice.
A statement from the legal representatives issued on Wednesday said he chose to boycott the hearing after "the verdict was already announced to the press by a spokesman... going against the presumption of innocence."
