Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and renowned football figure Michel Platini have been acquitted of fraud charges once again. The decision was made by the Extraordinary Appeals Chamber of the Swiss Criminal Court in Muttenz, near Basel.
Blatter, who is 89, and Platini, 69, were previously accused of misappropriating over $2 million of FIFA funds in 2011. This payment was made to Platini for work he did as an advisor to Blatter between 1998 and 2002. The case against them began in 2015 and has overshadowed their careers in football.
In July 2022, both men were initially cleared of the charges, but the Swiss attorney general’s office challenged that decision. They sought sentences of 20 months, which would be suspended for two years. However, the court ruled in favor of Blatter and Platini, affirming their innocence.
Throughout the investigation and trial, both men have maintained their innocence and denied any wrongdoing. They were once among the most influential figures in football, but these legal troubles have significantly impacted their reputations and careers.
The initial inquiry began as Platini was a strong contender to succeed Blatter in FIFA’s presidential election. The investigation not only affected their ambitions but also highlighted broader issues of corruption within football governance.
While they have been cleared in court, Blatter’s legacy will likely remain tied to the corruption scandals that plagued FIFA during his leadership. Platini, despite his illustrious playing career and aspirations for leadership in football, has yet to achieve the presidency he desired.
This latest ruling marks a significant moment in their long legal battle, but the consequences of the allegations may linger for years to come.