Audio By Carbonatix
Former FIFA officials Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini were charged with fraud and other offenses by Swiss prosecutors on Tuesday after a six-year investigation into a controversial $2 million payment.
The 85-year-old Blatter and 65-year-old Platini now face a trial within months at federal criminal court in Bellinzona.
“This payment damaged FIFA’s assets and unlawfully enriched Platini,” Swiss federal prosecutors said in a statement.
The case from September 2015 ousted Blatter ahead of schedule as FIFA president and ended then-UEFA president Platini’s campaign to succeed his former mentor.
Swiss cases often take years to reach a conclusion.
The case centers on Platini’s written request to FIFA in January 2011 to be paid backdated additional salary for working as a presidential adviser in Blatter’s first term, from 1998-2002.
Blatter authorized FIFA to make the payment within weeks. He was preparing to campaign for re-election in a contest against Mohamed bin Hammam of Qatar, where Platini’s influence with European voters was a key factor.
Both Blatter and Platini have long denied wrongdoing and cited a verbal agreement they had made, now more than 20 years ago, for the money to be paid.
Blatter has been charged with fraud, mismanagement, misappropriation of FIFA funds and forgery of a document. Platini has been charged with fraud, misappropriation, forgery and as an accomplice to Blatter’s alleged mismanagement.
Platini, a French soccer great, was not placed under formal investigation until last year, and months later the more serious allegation of fraud was included against both men.
Prosecutors had opened criminal proceedings against Blatter in September 2015 ahead of a police raid at FIFA headquarters in Zurich on the day he and Platini attended a meeting of the soccer body’s executive committee.
Latest Stories
-
Iceland becomes fifth country to boycott Eurovision
1 hour -
Trump launches $1m ‘gold card’ immigration visas
1 hour -
Venezuelan opposition leader makes first public appearance after months in hiding
2 hours -
Two buildings collapse in Morocco’s Fez killing 22 people
2 hours -
Why Africa’s next wave of growth depends on digital talent, education technology, and intelligent workforce platforms
4 hours -
Ghanaian tech innovator builds global platforms transforming education, jobs, healthcare, and business operations
4 hours -
Holders PSG held by Athletic Club in drab draw
4 hours -
Dortmund hopes hit by plucky Bodo/Glimt
4 hours -
MTN FA CUP 2025/2026: Late Amidu strike sends Kotoko through to next round
4 hours -
Mourinho’s Benfica beat Napoli for second Champions League win
4 hours -
Villa agree £10.5m deal for teenage winger Alysson
5 hours -
England to play Uruguay and Japan in March
5 hours -
Madueke double at Brugge helps Arsenal keep 100% record
5 hours -
Salah a target for Saudi, confirms league chief
5 hours -
Manchester City hits back to earn brilliant win at Real Madrid
5 hours
