PARIS: UEFA president Michel Platini told AFP on Sunday that rumours he was given a Picasso painting in return for voting for Russia to host the 2018 World Cup were "totally fictitious".

British newspaper the Sunday Times claims to have access to a database of allegations compiled by the failed English bid team for the 2018 World Cup. The newspaper claimed on Sunday Platini was given a painting, believed to be a Picasso, as part of a bid to secure his vote.