Blatter and Platini: Trial for two million Swiss francs begins!

Blatter and Platini: Trial for two million Swiss francs begins!

At the center of a sensational court case are former football greats Joseph Blatter (88) and Michel Platini (69), who have to answer for fraud and embezzlement. The reason for the trial is a controversial payment of two million francs (2.13 million euros) that Blatter approved as FIFA president in 2011 to Platini. Both once again emphasized their innocence in court and denied the allegations when they appeared at the Muttenz Criminal Justice Center on Monday. “This has never happened in my entire life,” Blatter defended himself, emphasizing that this payment was a fee for consulting services that Platini had provided many years before krone.at.

Both actors were acquitted in 2022, but the public prosecutor's office appealed, which is why this new trial has now taken place. A decision is expected on March 25th. FIFA, which initially acted as a private plaintiff, was not present at the final hearing, which was criticized by Platini and his lawyer as "like a football match where the opponent doesn't show up." The court subsequently pointed out that FIFA was partially excluded from the proceedings due to its lack of interest. This means that she will no longer be able to submit any applications should Blatter and Platini be acquitted again sueddeutsche.de reported.

In 2015, criminal proceedings were initiated against the two former officials, which abruptly halted their careers. Blatter and Platini claim that payment for consulting work performed between 1999 and 2002 was invoiced retrospectively. Despite her vehement defense, it remains to be seen whether the court will ultimately confirm her original acquittal verdict or whether there will be new legal consequences.