In a continuing saga of alleged financial misconduct, former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and ex-Uefa chief Michel Platini are back in a Swiss court facing accusations of fraud linked to a controversial payment from 2011.
Courtroom Drama Resumes: Blatter and Platini Face Fraud Charges Again
Courtroom Drama Resumes: Blatter and Platini Face Fraud Charges Again
Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini are once more in the legal crossfire over FIFA's financial dealings.
The two football powerhouses were previously acquitted in 2022 regarding a payment of 2m Swiss francs (£1.6m) that Blatter authorized for Platini’s advisory work. However, following an appeal from the Swiss federal prosecutor, the light on this infamous case has been reignited. This latest trial, held at an appeals court in Muttenz near Basel, is set to last until Thursday, with a verdict anticipated on March 25.
At 88 years old, Blatter reiterated his innocence during court proceedings, emphasizing, "When you talk about falsehoods, lies and deception, that's not me. That didn't exist in my whole life." Platini's lawyer defended the actions of both clients, asserting that the original court decision was just in finding the payment lawful.
Platini, now 69, is no stranger to football accolades; a former player with three Ballon d'Or titles under his belt, he once led France to victory in the 1984 European Championship and played for Juventus in the 1985 European Cup. After his playing career, he took on a leadership role at Uefa, becoming its president in 2007.
The charges date back to 2015 when prosecutors accused the pair of misleading FIFA regarding payments made to Platini. During the first trial, Blatter explained a history with Platini dating back to 1998 when he asked the Frenchman to serve as his adviser, but financial constraints forced them to settle on a different pay structure. Platini, who ceased working with FIFA in 2002, later pursued the payment he felt he was owed, prompting controversy over the transaction.
After a 2015 investigation, both were initially suspended from football for ethics violations, a penalty that was later reduced. In 2022, a Swiss federal court acquitted them, acknowledging their claim of a "gentlemen's agreement" for the payment.
With a storied career and a controversial legacy, Blatter led FIFA from 1998 to his resignation amid corruption scandals, while Platini gracefully bowed out from the presidential race, leaving behind a complicated legacy as they continue to challenge these accusations.
At 88 years old, Blatter reiterated his innocence during court proceedings, emphasizing, "When you talk about falsehoods, lies and deception, that's not me. That didn't exist in my whole life." Platini's lawyer defended the actions of both clients, asserting that the original court decision was just in finding the payment lawful.
Platini, now 69, is no stranger to football accolades; a former player with three Ballon d'Or titles under his belt, he once led France to victory in the 1984 European Championship and played for Juventus in the 1985 European Cup. After his playing career, he took on a leadership role at Uefa, becoming its president in 2007.
The charges date back to 2015 when prosecutors accused the pair of misleading FIFA regarding payments made to Platini. During the first trial, Blatter explained a history with Platini dating back to 1998 when he asked the Frenchman to serve as his adviser, but financial constraints forced them to settle on a different pay structure. Platini, who ceased working with FIFA in 2002, later pursued the payment he felt he was owed, prompting controversy over the transaction.
After a 2015 investigation, both were initially suspended from football for ethics violations, a penalty that was later reduced. In 2022, a Swiss federal court acquitted them, acknowledging their claim of a "gentlemen's agreement" for the payment.
With a storied career and a controversial legacy, Blatter led FIFA from 1998 to his resignation amid corruption scandals, while Platini gracefully bowed out from the presidential race, leaving behind a complicated legacy as they continue to challenge these accusations.
