Swiss prosecutors are once again targeting former football leaders Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini, seeking to overturn previous acquittals and impose suspended prison sentences on them for alleged fraud involving FIFA. The latest developments arise during their appeal process, commenced on March 4, 2025, within the Extraordinary Appeals Chamber situated near Basel, Switzerland.
At the heart of this legal saga is a payment of 2 million Swiss francs (approx. 1.8 million euros) made by FIFA to Platini, originating from services he purportedly rendered as a consultant between 1999 and 2002. The case traces back to 2011 when Blatter, then president of FIFA, approved the transfer, which has since been categorized as "disloyal management" by Swiss authorities.
Prosecutor Thomas Hildbrand has decried the initial verdict, asserting it represented not only a failure of the judicial system but also accused the pair of attempting to deceive FIFA employees with the contentious payment. “The court has failed to invalidate the charges,” he stated, arguing for strong action against both men.
During the proceedings, which have captivated football fans and legal observers alike, Blatter has consistently maintained his innocence. At the trial’s opening, he asserted, “We had principles in my family – we take only money we have earned. I am innocent.” Despite his frail appearance, the 88-year-old reiterated his position against what he describes as unjust accusations stemming from prolonged scrutiny by Swiss investigators.
Olivier Thormann, President of the Appeals Chamber, was called to testify about the origins of the investigation. He indicated, under questioning, how he became aware of the payment, citing information received from Markus Kattner, FIFA's former CFO. Thormann's claims—that Kattner directed attention to the payment—were countered by denials from Kattner during his own testimony.
Platini's attorney, Dominic Nellen, pressed Thormann on documentation, questioning why there were gaps. He pointed out the inconsistency of Kattner's statement on the significant payment not being officially recorded, asserting, “How could such substantial advice have gone without documentation?” This inquiry highlighted potential discrepancies and raised concerns about procedural integrity during the investigation.
Following Hildbrand’s extensive three-and-a-half-hour plea, wherein he criticized the "laughable" arguments made by previous judgments, the prosecution called for suspended sentences of one year and eight months for both defendants, with Hildbrand insisting on appropriate penalties to reflect the gravity of the alleged misconduct under FIFA's governance.
The upcoming verdict scheduled for March 25 is expected to draw intense scrutiny and could cast long-lasting shadows over both Blatter and Platini's legacies within the sport. Given the high-profile nature of this case—one intertwined with allegations of corruption at the very top of world football—its outcome could influence FIFA's image as it strives to recover from various scandals.
Blatter and Platini were originally acquitted of all charges by the Swiss Federal Court back in June 2022, but swift appeals from the Swiss Attorney General's office kept the matter alive. Their earlier trial marked what many viewed as a watershed moment, as Blatter had dominated FIFA for 17 years before being engulfed by scandals which led to his resignation.
At the core of the case is not only the legality of the payment but also the underlying relationship between the two powerful figures of world football, which raises questions about trust, accountability, and governance within international sports organizations. Platini had helped Blatter secure election to the FIFA presidency during his tenure, and the allegations have pitted former allies against each other amid revelations of questionable financial practices.
Currently banned from football operations—Blatter until 2028, when he will be 92 and Platini until 2019—the two men find themselves at the center of this legal turmoil. The stakes are high, with the backdrop of FIFA’s tarnished reputation looming large over proceedings.
Regardless of the eventual decision, the ramifications of this saga will extend far beyond the courtroom, shaping not only their futures but potentially also impacting FIFA’s next steps as it continues to navigate the treacherous waters of public scrutiny and reform.