Sepp Blatter, the former president of FIFA, and Michel Platini, the legendary French footballer and former UEFA president, appeared back in court today, March 3, 2025, facing renewed charges of fraud stemming from a scandal dating back to 2011. This trial marks the latest chapter in what has become one of the most notorious cases of corruption within the world of football, with both men having been previously acquitted on similar charges just two-and-a-half years ago.
The pair arrived at the Extraordinary Appeals Chamber of the Swiss Criminal Court, located in Muttenz near Basel, where they will face scrutiny over the details surrounding a payment of 2 million Swiss francs (approximately $2.2 million). The payment, authorized by Blatter and made to Platini, was claimed to be for advisory work completed nearly ten years prior. Prosecutors allege this transfer violated FIFA regulations and harmed its financial integrity.
Before the court proceedings began, 88-year-old Blatter took the opportunity to assert his innocence, stating emphatically, “When you talk about falsehoods, lies and deception, that's not me. That didn't exist in my whole life.” His 69-year-old co-defendant Platini echoed similar sentiments, affirming their position as steadfast defenders of their actions, which they assert were guided by a verbal 'gentleman’s agreement' concerning the delayed payment.
The background of this trial reveals longstanding issues between these two titans of football. The initial trial concluded with their acquittal in July 2022 after the judge ruled their account credible, casting serious doubts on the prosecution's claims of deceit. Nonetheless, the Swiss federal prosecutor initiated this appeal, arguing against this earlier verdict and seeking to overturn it entirely.
Acting Prosecutor Thomas Hildbrand accused Blatter and Platini of deceiving FIFA officials about obligations to pay Platini at the time when he was serving as UEFA president. According to the prosecutor’s indictment, “They falsely claimed FIFA owed Platini, or Platini was entitled to the sum of 2 million Swiss francs for advisory work.”
During the initial stages of their relationship, Blatter had asked Platini for help following his election as FIFA president, agreeing on terms for Platini’s advisory services. Blatter, at the time, reported FIFA could not afford the full salary requested and settled on partial payments over the years. Platini recently remarked during the trial, “I knew FIFA would pay me what it owed sooner or later.”
The newfound trial has garnered significant attention, not only due to the high-profile nature of the defendants but also because it touches on broader themes of ethics and accountability within international sports organizations. Both Blatter and Platini have seen their illustrious careers overshadowed by these allegations, which have effectively barred them from any formal association with FIFA since their suspension back in 2015 amid earlier investigations.
Lawyer Dominic Nellen, representing Platini, contended, “The court of first-instance was right to find the disputed payment of 2 million francs was lawful.” He expressed confidence about the eventual outcome of the current trial, indicating both men are likely to be acquitted once more.
This latest trial is anticipated to continue until at least March 25, when the three judges will announce their verdict. Prosecutors are seeking suspended sentences of 20 months for both erstwhile giants of football, emphasizing just how seriously they view the alleged misconduct.
Controversy surrounding this case lies much of its root within the broader corruption scandal seemingly affecting FIFA over several years. Allegations against Blatter and Platini involve not only this payment but also the ethics of managing FIFA’s finances and handling global football governance—issues central to the sport's integrity.
Although both men now face the court, they remain adamant about their innocence and the legitimacy of their actions. Pre-trial, Blatter had expressed feeling he was caught up in what he termed “a witch-hunt” aimed at discrediting him as the foremost authority within FIFA during his presidency. He has repeatedly stated, “We did nothing wrong, nothing,” maintaining his position as the victim of unprecedented scrutiny.
Summary opinions from football analysts highlight the importance of this verdict—not just for Blatter and Platini, but also as it may influence future reform efforts within FIFA and similar organizations. The question lingers as to whether the judicial process can truly bring closure to the reputations of both men or if this case will continue to haunt them beyond their professional careers.
The footballing world waits with bated breath for the final outcome of this extraordinary saga, underlining the broader issues of accountability and integrity poised at the heart of sports governance. The looming verdict, scheduled for March 25, is expected to reverberate throughout international football, regardless of its ultimate conclusion.