The two were previously acquitted in 2022 over a controversial 2 million Swiss franc (£1.6m) payment made to Platini in 2011, which was approved by Blatter. The pair maintained their innocence, arguing that the sum was a delayed payment for advisory work Platini had done for FIFA.
However, Swiss federal prosecutors have appealed the ruling, bringing the case back to trial. The new proceedings are expected to last until Thursday, with a final verdict anticipated on March 25, 2025.
Blatter, 88, reaffirmed his innocence in court, stating, 'Lies and deception have never been a part of my life.' Meanwhile, Platini's legal team defended the original acquittal, insisting the payment was lawful.
A former UEFA president and Ballon d'Or winner, Platini played a key role in European football, captaining France to victory in Euro 1984 and later managing the national team.
The case, originally sparked by a 2015 corruption investigation, led to both men being banned from football for ethics violations. In their first trial, they argued that FIFA was financially struggling at the time of the agreement, causing a delay in Platini's payment.
With the appeal now underway, the football world is watching closely as one of FIFA's biggest scandals resurfaces in court.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/sports/article/blatter-platini-back-in-court
