Ex-FIFA Boss Blatter and Football Star Platini Cleared in Corruption Case – Again
In big football news, former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and French legend Michel Platini have been found not guilty of corruption—for the second time. A Swiss court threw out the case, ending a long legal battle that started in 2015.
What Happened?
Back in 2011, Blatter approved a $2.26 million payment to Platini for consulting work he did years earlier. Prosecutors called this illegal, but both men always said it was a fair payment for real work. After being cleared in 2022, Swiss authorities appealed—but now, the higher court has agreed: no crime was committed.
Why It Matters
- Platini’s Lost Chance: This legal drama ruined Platini’s shot at becoming FIFA president in 2016, even though no solid proof of wrongdoing was ever shown.
- Blatter’s Fall: The scandal forced Blatter out of FIFA, ending his decades-long control over world football.
- Justice Delayed: After nine years of investigations and trials, the court finally closed the case for good.
What They Said
Platini’s lawyer declared: “Even Switzerland’s top prosecutors must admit they failed. Platini deserves peace now.”
Reuters Reports
Thanks to Reuters for tracking this story from the start. Their updates help fans understand how power, money, and justice collide in global sports.
The Big Question
Should leaders like Blatter and Platini face stricter rules before scandals happen? Or was this just a legal misunderstanding?
(Source: Reuters)