Fifa has confirmed it will investigate the alleged distribution from its headquarters of an anonymous, heavily critical dossier on the Uefa president, Michel Platini following a complaint from European football’s governing body.

The German newspaper Welt am Sonntag alleged on Sunday the document, entitled “Platini – skeleton in the closet”, was distributed from Fifa’s headquarters.

The newspaper said it paints an unflattering picture of the former France international and questions his suitability for the role of Fifa president.

The existence of the dossier on Platini, who is hoping to replace the Fifa president, Sepp Blatter, in February’s election, has also been reported in Swiss media.

“Fifa secretary general Jérôme Valcke has received a letter from Uefa regarding the said subject,” said Fifa in a statement. “In his answer to Uefa, the Fifa secretary general has confirmed Fifa is investigating the matter.”

In addition to Valcke, Uefa said it had also sent its complaint to Cornel Borbely, a Swiss attorney who is Fifa’s independent chief ethics investigator, and Domenico Scala, the independent chairman of Fifa’s audit and compliance committee and the chairman of the ad-hoc election committee.

Fifa will hold an election on 26 February to choose a replacement for Blatter, who said in June he was standing down because of corruption scandals that have hit the organisation. Platini is the front runner in the election but his relationship with Blatter has deteriorated badly.