In a recent court appearance in Switzerland, the former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and legendary French footballer Michel Platini are being accused of fraud. The trial, which is expected to last until Thursday with a verdict due on March 25th, stems from a payment of 2 million Swiss francs (equivalent to £1.6 million) made to Platini in 2011 under Blatter’s authorization. Both men had previously been acquitted of these charges in 2022.
Blatter, who insisted he has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, stated before the court that he is not characterized by “falsehoods, lies, and deception” and that such conduct was never part of his nature. Platini’s lawyers argued that the lower court’s decision in 2022 to acquit the pair was correct, affirming the legality of the disputed payment.
Platini boasts an illustrious career, including three Ballon d’Or awards, captaining France to victory at the 1984 European Championship, and winning the 1985 European Cup with Juventus. He later transitioned into coaching the French national team and served as the president of UEFA from 2007.
The accusations of deceiving FIFA regarding Platini’s payment date back to 2015. Blatter testified in a previous trial that he had requested Platini to act as an advisor in 1998, but due to FIFA’s financial constraints at the time, they reached a “gentlemen’s agreement” for partial payment. The remainder was to be settled later. Platini stated during the previous trial that he trusted Blatter to pay him in the future and did not immediately pursue the payment due to a lack of immediate financial need and FIFA’s financial status.
Following an investigation initiated in 2015, Swiss prosecutors accused both Blatter and Platini of forgery and fraud. In the same year, FIFA suspended both individuals for violations of its code of conduct, initially for eight years, before reducing their ban. Both men were cleared by Switzerland’s federal criminal court in 2022 based on their version of events.
Blatter, who has been associated with FIFA since 1975 and served as its president for 17 years until stepping down amid corruption inquiries, vehemently defended his reputation in court. Platini, known for his remarkable achievements and leadership in football, has also been closely scrutinized in the scandal.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce349pj3e5do
