In Muttenz, Switzerland, former FIFA President Sepp Blatter sought to distance himself from allegations of corruption as he appeared in court with his former associate, Michel Platini. The trial, which marks their second appearance before federal judges, comes nearly three years after their initial acquittal on charges of fraud, forgery, and the misappropriation of FIFA funds. Despite being cleared in July 2022, the Swiss federal prosecutors have chosen to appeal the verdict.
In 2011, Blatter authorized a payout from FIFA’s funds amounting to 2 million Swiss francs (approximately $2.21 million) to Platini, who had served as a presidential advisor. Blatter, now 88, firmly denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing in his German testimony that deceit was not part of his life’s narrative.
Both Blatter and Platini have consistently maintained their innocence throughout the decade-long saga. They have defended their stance across multiple legal platforms, arguing that a verbal “gentleman’s agreement” existed to settle the outstanding salary when feasible.
When first accused in November 2021, prosecutors contended that the payment unlawfully benefited Platini and harmed FIFA’s assets. This development came years after the allegations had forced their removal from leadership positions in FIFA and UEFA, and disrupted Platini’s bid to become FIFA President.
Approaching the courthouse just shy of his 89th birthday, Blatter expressed hope for a favorable outcome. While Platini, arriving shortly before him, remained silent before the press. This second trial, expected to conclude by Thursday, will see the judges deliver their verdict on March 25.
The prosecution, led by veteran Thomas Hildbrand, has proposed a 20-month sentence, suspended over a two-year period. Blatter’s tenure as FIFA president, spanning 17 years, ended in 2015 amidst corruption scandals.
Platini, who aided Blatter’s initial election in 1998, served as an advisor with a yearly salary of 300,000 Swiss francs (about $332,000) through 2002, based on a presumed verbal agreement to settle the remaining balance later, which came to light again in 2011. Markus Kattner, FIFA’s finance director at the time, was slated to testify regarding this payment.
The payment disclosure occurred amidst a widespread 2015 FIFA corruption investigation, which saw Swiss authorities conduct early-morning raids in Zurich and seize critical financial documents. Simultaneously, they probed the votes that awarded Russia and Qatar the rights to host future World Cups, originally casting suspicions on fiscal malpractice.
After their 2022 acquittals in an 11-day trial, an appeal was quickly lodged by both the Swiss attorney general and FIFA. Delayed until now, the new trial commenced following Platini’s successful motion to recuse federal appeal judges he deemed biased.
The proceedings are heard by a panel of three federal judges from various Swiss cantons, though notably absent in court was FIFA representation. Platini’s legal counsel questioned FIFA’s position as an appellant, advocating to dismiss their case.
Despite being excluded from soccer for years following their 2015 suspensions, neither Blatter nor Platini have returned to the sport post-bans. Though Platini’s sanction expired in 2019, Blatter faces multiple bans extending until 2028 due to further ethical violations related to exorbitant bonuses during his time as president.
Kattner’s involvement in similar misconduct resulted in a 10-year ban issued by FIFA in 2020.
