Blatter, Platini Cleared of Fraud in Second Swiss Court ruling
Appeals court upholds acquittal in long-running saga over controversial payment.
ZURICH – Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and ex-UEFA chief Michel Platini have again been acquitted on fraud charges by a Swiss court, this time at the appeals level, concerning a contentious payment made in 2011. The appeals court affirmed the original 2022 verdict from the federal criminal court, concluding a seven-year legal battle centered around a 2 million Swiss francs (€1.8 million) transfer from Blatter to Platini.
Payment at Heart of Case
Swiss prosecutors initially charged Blatter and Platini in November 2021,arguing that the payment lacked any legal basis. Both men consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining the funds were for work platini performed as an advisor to Blatter between 1998 and 2002. Platini asserted the payment was for back pay.
Platini Claims Vindication, Plans Legal Action
Platini expressed immense relief at the decision, stating his honor had been restored after what he described as a decade-long persecution by FIFA and Swiss prosecutors. He told reporters he received 10,000 messages of support and planned to celebrate. His legal team is now preparing legal action against those responsible for initiating the criminal proceedings.
Defense argues Lack of Evidence, “Massive” Consequences
Dominic Nellen, Platini’s lawyer, stated the appeals court fully confirmed his client’s innocence. He added that the prosecution had failed to produce any incriminating evidence throughout the lengthy proceedings and that the case had caused “massive personal and professional consequences” for Platini, preventing his potential election as FIFA president in 2016. Nellen argued the proceedings were unjustified and should not have occurred.
Background: Illustrious Careers Derailed
Platini, a celebrated former captain and manager of the French national team, had a prosperous career in football administration, serving as UEFA president from 2007 to 2015. He was widely considered a future FIFA president before the 2011 payment became a focal point of scrutiny. following the emergence of the payment, FIFA’s ethics committee initially banned Platini from football for eight years in 2015, later reduced to four on appeal.Blatter, who served as FIFA president from 1998 to 2015, was also banned for eight years by FIFA over the matter, reduced to six on appeal. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) in Switzerland launched criminal proceedings in 2015.
Blatter’s legal team and FIFA have been contacted for comment.
how does this court ruling potentially impact FIFA’s efforts to rebuild its reputation and regain public trust following a series of scandals in recent years?
Blatter, Platini Cleared of Fraud in Second Swiss Court ruling
Appeals court upholds acquittal in long-running saga over controversial payment.
ZURICH – Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and ex-UEFA chief Michel Platini have again been acquitted on fraud charges by a Swiss court, this time at the appeals level, concerning a contentious payment made in 2011. The appeals court affirmed the original 2022 verdict from the federal criminal court, concluding a seven-year legal battle centered around a 2 million Swiss francs (€1.8 million) transfer from Blatter to Platini.
Payment at Heart of Case
Swiss prosecutors initially charged Blatter and Platini in November 2021,arguing that the payment lacked any legal basis. Both men consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining the funds were for work platini performed as an advisor to Blatter between 1998 and 2002. Platini asserted the payment was for back pay.
Platini Claims Vindication, Plans Legal Action
Platini expressed immense relief at the decision, stating his honor had been restored after what he described as a decade-long persecution by FIFA and Swiss prosecutors. He told reporters he received 10,000 messages of support and planned to celebrate.His legal team is now preparing legal action against those responsible for initiating the criminal proceedings.
Defense argues Lack of Evidence, “Massive” Consequences
Dominic nellen, Platini’s lawyer, stated the appeals court fully confirmed his client’s innocence. He added that the prosecution had failed to produce any incriminating evidence throughout the lengthy proceedings and that the case had caused “massive personal and professional consequences” for Platini, preventing his potential election as FIFA president in 2016. Nellen argued the proceedings were unjustified and should not have occurred.
Background: Illustrious Careers Derailed
Platini, a celebrated former captain and manager of the French national team, had a prosperous career in football administration, serving as UEFA president from 2007 to 2015.He was widely considered a future FIFA president before the 2011 payment became a focal point of scrutiny. following the emergence of the payment,FIFA’s ethics committee initially banned Platini from football for eight years in 2015,later reduced to four on appeal.Blatter,who served as FIFA president from 1998 to 2015,was also banned for eight years by FIFA over the matter, reduced to six on appeal.The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) in Switzerland launched criminal proceedings in 2015.
Blatter’s legal team and FIFA have been contacted for comment.
Q&A: Unpacking the Blatter and Platini Case
What exactly was the controversial payment?
The case revolves around a 2 million Swiss franc (approximately €1.8 million) payment made by then-FIFA President Sepp Blatter to Michel Platini in 2011. Prosecutors alleged the payment was illegal, while Blatter and Platini maintained it was deferred compensation for consultancy work Platini performed for FIFA between 1998 and 2002.
Why was this payment considered suspicious?
Critics questioned why the payment was made so long after the alleged work was completed. The lack of a written contract at the time of the initial agreement also raised eyebrows. the timing, just before Platini was expected to run for FIFA president, added further suspicion, although both men deny any wrongdoing.
What were the consequences for Blatter and Platini?
Both men faced notable repercussions.They were initially banned from football by FIFA’s ethics committee. Blatter was banned for eight years (reduced to six on appeal), and Platini was banned for eight years (reduced to four on appeal). This effectively derailed their careers in football administration.
What does Platini’s planned legal action entail?
Platini intends to sue those he believes were responsible for initiating the criminal proceedings against him. This could involve seeking damages for reputational harm, lost income, and the overall damage to his career and personal life caused by the accusations and subsequent investigations.
How does this ruling impact FIFA’s reputation?
The case highlights the ongoing challenges FIFA faces in maintaining its reputation and ensuring transparent financial practices. while the court’s decision clears Blatter and Platini of criminal wrongdoing, the scandal underscores the need for greater accountability and oversight within the organization.
What’s next?
While the legal saga has concluded, the legacy of the Blatter-Platini case will continue to shape the future of football governance.The focus now shifts to Platini’s legal action and any potential reforms to FIFA’s internal structures.
This ruling is a significant development in a long and complex saga, but the story of football governance and its challenges continues.
