Blatter and Platini Cleared in Landmark Corruption Case
In a definitive ruling, Switzerland's Federal Criminal Court has upheld the acquittal of former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and ex-UEFA chief Michel Platini in their high-profile corruption trial. The Extraordinary Appeals Chamber rejected prosecutors' final appeal, confirming the 2022 not-guilty verdict that marked the culmination of a seven-year legal battle.
The case centered on a controversial 2011 payment of 2 million Swiss francs ($2.2 million) authorized by Blatter to Platini. While prosecutors alleged this constituted fraud, mismanagement and breach of trust, the court ultimately accepted the defendants' explanation that it fulfilled a verbal agreement for advisory services Platini provided between 1998-2002.
Key case details:
- 2015: Initial investigation begins amid FIFA corruption scandal
- 2022: First court acquittal citing insufficient evidence
- 2024: Final appeal dismissed, case permanently closed
Despite their legal vindication, both men remain tarnished by the scandal that ended their football governance careers. Blatter, now 88, served as FIFA president for 17 years until his 2015 ouster, while Platini, once considered heir apparent, saw his UEFA presidency and FIFA ambitions collapse.
The verdict closes a controversial chapter in football history, though questions persist about transparency in sports governance. As current FIFA president Gianni Infantino oversees reforms, this case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in football administration.
