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4w ago

Swiss Appeals Court Acquits Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini in FIFA Corruption Case

The court upheld their 2022 acquittal over a $2.21 million payment, while prosecutors consider a further appeal to the Swiss Federal Court.

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 were acquitted for a second time by a Swiss appeals court on charges of fraud, forgery, mismanagement, and misappropriation of FIFA funds.
  • The case centered on a $2.21 million payment authorized by Blatter to Platini in 2011 for consultancy work from 1998 to 2002, allegedly agreed upon verbally.
  • Swiss prosecutors had sought suspended 20-month jail sentences, alleging the payment was fraudulent and violated FIFA's internal controls.
  • Blatter and Platini have consistently denied wrongdoing, maintaining that the payment was legitimate and delayed due to FIFA's financial constraints.
  • The Swiss Attorney General’s Office is reviewing the verdict and may appeal to the Swiss Federal Court, while both men were awarded compensation for legal costs.