Blatter and Platini Cleared of Corruption Charges in Swiss Court
Legal Proceedings Completed
On March 25, 2025, former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and former UEFA president Michel Platini were officially exonerated of corruption allegations by a Swiss court. This ruling came from the Extraordinary Appeals Chamber of the Swiss Criminal Court located in Muttenz, near Basel, following an appeal by Swiss federal prosecutors against earlier acquittals.
The Case Background
The legal charges stemmed from a 2 million Swiss franc (approximately $2.26 million) payment that Blatter approved to Platini in 2011. This payment was described as a consultancy fee for work performed by Platini from 1998 to 2002. According to Platini, the payment had been deferred due to FIFA’s financial limitations at the time.
Impact of the Charges
The allegations, which first surfaced in 2015 when Platini held the presidency at UEFA, significantly impacted both individuals’ careers. Specifically, Platini’s aspirations to succeed Blatter as FIFA president were hindered due to the surrounding controversy. In an official statement, Platini’s lawyer Dominic Nellen emphasized the profound personal and professional ramifications that the proceedings have had on his client, despite the lack of incriminating evidence presented during the trials. “The criminal proceedings have had not only legal but also massive personal and professional consequences for Michel Platini,” stated Nellen. “Among other things, the criminal proceedings prevented his election as FIFA president in 2016.”
Conclusion
Both Blatter and Platini reiterated their innocence throughout the legal challenges they faced. Following this recent court ruling, there is hope for a peaceful resolution for Platini regarding any related criminal matters, as noted by his attorney.