A Swiss court has cleared former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and French soccer icon Michel Platini of corruption charges. The verdict brings to a close a long-running legal battle that has tarnished the reputations of both men.
The case revolved around a payment of 2 million Swiss francs (approximately $2.1 million) that FIFA made to Platini in 2011. Prosecutors argued that the payment, authorized by Blatter, was illegal and constituted a breach of trust. Blatter claimed the payment was for work Platini had done for FIFA years earlier, while Platini asserted it was a legitimate fee owed to him.
The court, however, ruled that the prosecution failed to provide enough evidence to prove criminal wrongdoing. While acknowledging the payment raised ethical concerns, the judges concluded that it did not meet the threshold for a criminal offense.
Both Blatter and Platini had previously been banned from soccer for several years by FIFA's ethics committee over the same payment. These bans significantly impacted their careers and reputations within the sport. While this acquittal clears them of criminal charges, the earlier FIFA sanctions remain a part of their history.
Following the verdict, Blatter and Platini expressed relief and reaffirmed their innocence. The case has highlighted the ongoing challenges of governance and transparency within FIFA, the global governing body for soccer.
Blatter and Platini Found Not Guilty in FIFA Corruption Trial
Sepp Blatter, the former president of FIFA, and Michel Platini, a legendary French soccer player, have been acquitted of corruption charges in a Swiss court. The trial centered on a payment of 2 million Swiss francs that Platini received from FIFA in 2011, authorized by Blatter. Prosecutors alleged the payment was unlawful, but the court found insufficient evidence to prove criminal wrongdoing. Both Blatter and Platini maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings.
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