Particle.news
Download on the App Store
13 ARTICLES
·
4w ago

Blatter and Platini Acquitted Again in FIFA Fraud Case

Swiss Extraordinary Appeals Chamber upholds 2022 ruling, dismissing all charges against former FIFA and UEFA chiefs over controversial payment.

Former Fifa President, Sepp Blatter, after the verdict at the special appeals court, in Muttenz, Switzerland, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone via AP)
Police officers are seen as former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and former UEFA President Michel Platini arrive at the tribunal for their verdict on corruption charges in Muttenz, March 25, 2025. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth
Former UEFA President Michel Platini leaves the tribunal after he got acquitted on corruption charges against him in Muttenz, Switzerland, March 25, 2025. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth
Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter arrives at the tribunal for the verdict on corruption charges against him in Muttenz, March 25, 2025. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth

Overview

  • Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini have been acquitted of fraud and related charges for a second time by the Swiss Extraordinary Appeals Chamber.
  • The case centered on a 2 million Swiss francs payment made by FIFA to Platini in 2011, which the pair claimed was based on a verbal agreement for deferred salary.
  • Swiss prosecutors had appealed their 2022 acquittal and sought suspended 20-month jail sentences, but the court rejected their arguments again.
  • The decade-long legal saga effectively ended the football leadership careers of Blatter and Platini, who were once among the sport's most influential figures.
  • While a final appeal to the Swiss Federal Court is possible, it is unlikely to alter the outcome significantly given the limited legal grounds available.