Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini Return to Court for Second Trial

A decade of legal battles for two soccer legends

Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini, two of the most influential figures in world soccer, returned to a federal courtroom in Switzerland on November 6, 2023, for their second trial on charges of fraud, forgery, and misappropriation of FIFA funds. The case, now in its 10th year, has marked the downfall of their storied careers. The trial resumed nearly three years after their acquittal in July 2022, with Swiss federal prosecutors appealing the verdict. The two men deny any wrongdoing, claiming they had a "gentleman’s agreement" to settle an unpaid salary for Platini’s work as a presidential advisor.

Blatter, 88, appeared frail as he entered the courthouse, while Platini, 67, expressed optimism about the outcome. Both men have consistently maintained their innocence across multiple legal proceedings, including two trials at FIFA, the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and now two appearances before Swiss federal criminal courts. Their legal battles began nearly a decade ago, when they were accused of orchestrating an illegal payment of 2 million Swiss francs (approximately $2.21 million) from FIFA to Platini in 2011.

The controversial payment and its implications

At the heart of the case is the payment of 2 million Swiss francs authorized by Blatter in 2011. The money was allegedly owed to Platini for backdated work as a presidential advisor between 1999 and 2002. Platini claims the two men had a verbal agreement to settle the unpaid salary of 300,000 Swiss francs annually, with FIFA unable to pay at the time. He began requesting the money in 2010, and it was finally paid in February 2011.

Swiss federal prosecutors have argued that the payment unlawfully enriched Platini and damaged FIFA’s assets. However, Platini insists there was no corruption or fraud involved, calling the charges "lies and deceptions." Blatter, who led FIFA for 17 years, also denies any wrongdoing, stating, "That didn’t exist in my whole life."

The case gained public attention in 2015 when U.S. federal investigators launched a sweeping probe into corruption within FIFA. This investigation led to the seizure of financial records and the arrest of top officials. Swiss authorities later opened their own investigation into financial misconduct linked to World Cup bidding processes, though the payment to Platini has not been directly tied to these broader scandals.

A political rivalry turned legal drama

The trial highlights the once-close relationship between Blatter and Platini, which soured over time. Platini, a former French soccer star, played a key role in Blatter’s rise to FIFA’s presidency in 1998. In return, Blatter appointed Platini as a presidential advisor, with an annual salary of 300,000 Swiss francs. However, Platini claims he was never fully paid for his work and that the 2 million Swiss francs he received in 2011 were part of the unsettled debt.

The case has not only destroyed their professional relationship but also ended their political careers in soccer. Platini was once the favored candidate to succeed Blatter as FIFA president, but the investigation derailed his ambitions. Both men were banned from soccer-related activities by FIFA’s ethics committee in 2015, with Platini’s ban expiring in 2019 and Blatter’s set to continue until 2028.

The ongoing trial and its significance

The second trial, being held at a cantonal courthouse in Muttenz, is expected to conclude on November 9, with a verdict scheduled for March 25, 2024. Prosecutor Thomas Hildbrand, a veteran of FIFA-related cases, has requested suspended sentences of 20 months for both Blatter and Platini. Markus Kattner, FIFA’s former finance director, was called as a witness by Platini’s lawyers and testified about the payment process.

FIFA has pursued civil action to recover the payment, along with social charges and interest, though Platini claims he declared the money as income and paid taxes on it. Despite the legal battles, neither Blatter nor Platini has worked in soccer since their suspensions. The case has further tarnished FIFA’s reputation, already damaged by widespread corruption scandals in recent years.

The legacy of two fallen giants

For decades, Blatter and Platini were towering figures in world soccer. Blatter, as FIFA president, oversaw the growth of the World Cup into a global spectacle, though his tenure was marred by corruption allegations. Platini, a legendary player and coach, played a pivotal role in organizing the 1998 World Cup in France and later led UEFA, European soccer’s governing body.

Their downfall has shocked the soccer world, with many viewing their trial as a final chapter in their once-illustrious careers. Both men have expressed hope for vindication, but the legal battles have already left an indelible mark on their legacies.

FIFA’s ongoing struggle with accountability

The trial of Blatter and Platini underscores FIFA’s long-standing challenges with transparency and accountability. While the organization has made efforts to reform under current president Gianni Infantino, the prosecution of two of its most powerful former leaders highlights the persistence of ethical issues. The case also raises questions about how FIFA’s internal politics and financial dealings are policed.

As the trial continues, the world of soccer watches closely, aware that the outcome may have far-reaching implications for governance in the sport. Whether Blatter and Platini are ultimately cleared or convicted, their story serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of unchecked power and the importance of accountability in global sport.