Key Takeaways
✔ Sepp Blatter & Michel Platini acquitted again in Swiss appeals court
✔ Final ruling ends 9-year legal battle over $2.26m FIFA payment
✔ Prosecutors' appeal rejected – no evidence of criminal wrongdoing
✔ Case destroyed Platini’s FIFA presidency ambitions in 2016
✔ Blatter calls it "total vindication", Platini demands "peace" after legal ordeal
The Final Verdict: Case Closed After Nearly a Decade
In a decisive legal blow to Swiss prosecutors, former FIFA President Sepp Blatter (88) and Ex-UEFA chief Michel Platini (68) have been cleared of corruption charges for the second time.
The Swiss Federal Criminal Court of Appeal in Muttenz upheld their 2022 acquittal, rejecting prosecutors' attempts to revive the case over a 2 million Swiss franc ($2.26m) payment from FIFA to Platini in 2011.
Why Was This Case So Significant?
Destroyed Platini’s FIFA presidency bid (he was favorite to replace Blatter in 2016)
Triggered Blatter’s downfall after 17 years as FIFA boss
Symbolized FIFA’s corruption era, leading to massive governance reforms
The Payment at the Heart of the Scandal
What Was the $2.26m For?
Platini claimed it was back pay for advisory work (1998-2002) when FIFA allegedly couldn’t afford his full fee.
Why Was It Controversial?
The prosecutors argued:
No written contract existed for the deferred payment
9-Year delay between work and payment seemed suspicious
Approved solely by Blatter without proper oversight
Court’s Final Ruling
🔹 No proof of fraud or embezzlement
🔹 Payment wasn’t illegal under Swiss law at the time
🔹 Prosecutors failed to show criminal intent
Reactions: Relief, Fury, and Lingering Questions
Blatter & Platini’s Response
Platini’s lawyer: "This case should never have been brought. My client lost his career over baseless allegations."
Blatter: "After 9 years of hell, justice has finally been served."
FIFA’s Silence
No official comment, but the ruling revives painful memories of its 2015 corruption crisis.
Football Fans Divided
Some believe the system protected powerful men
Others argue the case was always politically motivated
FAQs: What You Need to Know
1. Can Platini return to football now?
❌ No – his lifetime ban by FIFA (for ethics violations) remains separate from this criminal case.
2. Why did prosecutors keep appealing?
They insisted the payment was "unjust enrichment", but courts repeatedly found no criminal conduct.
3. How did this case start?
📅 2015: Swiss police raided FIFA headquarters, uncovering the payment during a broader corruption probe.
4. What were the consequences?
Blatter resigned in disgrace after 17 years as FIFA president
Platini withdrew from 2016 FIFA election due to suspension
Both received FIFA bans (Blatter until 2028, Platini for life)
5. Is this really the end?
✅ Yes – Swiss prosecutors cannot appeal further.
Conclusion: A Legal Victory, But Scars Remain
While Blatter and Platini celebrate, the case leaves lasting damage:
FIFA’s reputation never fully recovered
Fans still question football’s accountability
Both men’s legacies forever tied to scandal
Was this justice served or a flawed system? Share your thoughts below!
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