Blatter and Platini Return to Swiss Court Amid Fraud Allegations

Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini are back in a Swiss courtroom facing fraud accusations related to a contentious payment made in 2011. This trial follows their 2022 acquittal, which is now under appeal, with a verdict expected at the end of the week.

Former Fifa president Sepp Blatter and French football icon Michel Platini have re-entered the legal spotlight in Switzerland, grappling with renewed fraud allegations. Their current trial comes less than three years after they were acquitted of wrongdoing surrounding a controversial payment of 2 million Swiss francs (approximately £1.6 million) made to Platini in 2011, which Blatter authorized.

Both defendants staunchly maintain their innocence, asserting that the transaction was for legitimate advisory work performed by Platini, who previously served as the head of UEFA, European football's governing body. The situation intensified when the Swiss federal prosecutor opted to appeal the initial verdict, instigating this new court appearance expected to conclude by Thursday, with a ruling anticipated on March 25.

In a courtroom in Muttenz, located near Basel, the 88-year-old Blatter reiterated his belief in his innocence, declaring, "When you talk about falsehoods, lies, and deception, that's not me. That didn't exist in my whole life.” Platini’s attorney echoed the sentiment, arguing that the acquittal from the previous court rightly recognized the legality of the 2 million franc payment.

Platini, now 69, has had a notable career, claiming three Ballon d'Or titles, leading France to the 1984 European Championship triumph, coaching the national team, and serving as UEFA president, beginning in 2007. The prosecution’s claims date back to 2015, which suggested that the pair deceived Fifa regarding the payment arrangements.

During the first trial, Blatter recounted requesting Platini's advisory services back in 1998. Financial constraints prevented Fifa from fulfilling the full payment initially; hence, they struck a verbal agreement with the hope of future compensation. Platini, who ceased working for Fifa in 2002, initially refrained from pursuing the payment as he did not require the funds at the time. In January 2011, however, he issued an invoice, leading to the payment after Blatter's approval.

The accusations against them have haunted the duo since a revival of scrutiny began in 2015, resulting in a suspension from football due to ethical violations—originally for eight years, a penalty that was later mitigated. Their eventual acquittal in 2022 by Switzerland's federal criminal court accepted their position regarding a “gentlemen's agreement” surrounding the payment.

Blatter's journey with Fifa began in 1975, ascending through various roles including general secretary and ultimately president from 1998, a position he held for 17 years before stepping down amid corruption allegations. Platini, once a contender for the presidential role, withdrew his candidacy after the investigating troubles.