Former Soccer Leaders Back in Court for New Trial
MUTTENZ, Switzerland (AP) — Former soccer leaders Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini were back in a Swiss court Monday as their new trial on fraud, forgery, and misappropriation charges opened.
A Second Chance for Justice
Blatter, appearing frail one week before his 89th birthday, told reporters, "I am hopeful" as he walked slowly down the stairs, reaching for the handrail to steady himself before wishing everyone a good day. Platini, the former UEFA president and FIFA vice president, arrived 10 minutes later.
The Charges
The trial concerns a Blatter-approved FIFA payment of 2 million Swiss francs (now $2.21 million) to Platini. Federal prosecutors initially claimed that the payment "damaged FIFA’s assets and unlawfully enriched Platini." The acquittal came nearly seven years after the investigation was first revealed, removing them from office as leaders of FIFA and UEFA.
The Verdict
The second trial is expected to last four days through Thursday, with the verdict scheduled for March 25. Blatter and Platini have consistently denied wrongdoing, claiming they had a verbal agreement to eventually pay Platini for non-contracted work advising Blatter during his first presidential term from 1998 to 2002.
The Prosecution’s Stance
Federal prosecutors have asked for sentences of 20 months, suspended for two years. The payment emerged in the fallout from the corruption crisis that hit FIFA in May 2015, following the U.S. federal investigation and Swiss authorities’ early-morning arrests in Zurich.
The Defense’s Argument
Blatter and Platini’s lawyers argue that they had a valid agreement, and the payment was made in accordance with FIFA’s bylaws. Platini’s lawyer, Dominic Nellen, requested a dismissal of FIFA’s appeal and civil claim, citing the lack of representation in court.
FIFA’s Role
FIFA is not represented in court, and the soccer body has pursued a civil case to recover the money and 229,000 Swiss francs ($253,000) in social charges paid, plus interest. Platini has declared the money as income and paid taxes on it.
Consequences
Neither Blatter nor Platini has worked in soccer since they were suspended by the FIFA ethics committee in October 2015. Blatter was banned again in 2021, and Platini’s ban expired in 2019. The former FIFA president is exiled from soccer until late 2028, when he will be aged 92.
Conclusion
The trial of Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini is a significant moment in the ongoing saga of FIFA corruption. As the case unfolds, the world watches to see if justice will be served.
FAQs
- What are the charges against Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini?
Fraud, forgery, and misappropriation. - How much was the disputed payment?
2 million Swiss francs (now $2.21 million) - Why are Blatter and Platini facing trial again?
The acquittal was overturned, and a new trial was ordered after an appeal was filed by the Swiss attorney general’s office and FIFA. - What is the prosecution’s stance?
Federal prosecutors have asked for sentences of 20 months, suspended for two years.
