- Second trial focuses on 2M CHF ($2.21M) payment from FIFA to Platini
- Prosecutors seek 20-month suspended sentences for fraud and misappropriation
- Both defendants banned from soccer since 2015 over ethics violations
- Verdict could impact FIFA's ongoing financial transparency reforms
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, 88, and ex-UEFA chief Michel Platini entered a Swiss cantonal court Monday for their retrial on charges of financial misconduct. The case centers on a 2011 payment of 2 million Swiss francs (approximately $2.21 million) authorized by Blatter during his final presidential term. Federal prosecutors argue the transaction lacked proper contracts or board approval, constituting unlawful enrichmentfor Platini.
This marks the legal duo's second courtroom battle since their 2022 acquittal, which Swiss authorities and FIFA successfully appealed. The retrial follows Platini's 2023 procedural victory requiring new judges, delaying proceedings by 11 months. Both maintain their innocence, claiming the payment fulfilled a verbal agreement for advisory work Platini performed between 1998-2002.
The case exemplifies soccer's ongoing struggle with legacy corruption issues. Since the 2015 FBI investigation that exposed systemic bribery, FIFA has implemented stricter financial controls, including mandatory contract documentation. However, this trial highlights how historical verbal agreements still haunt the organization's governance framework.
Regional parallels emerge when comparing European soccer's accountability measures to other confederations. While CONMEBOL's 2022 integrity report showed 63% compliance with financial transparency standards, UEFA members achieved 89% - suggesting uneven reform adoption globally. Industry analysts note that prolonged cases like this deter potential sponsors, with FIFA's commercial revenue dipping 7% during active litigation periods.
Both defendants face lasting professional consequences regardless of the verdict. Platini's expired ban prevented his 2016 FIFA presidential bid, while Blatter remains excluded until 2028 - an unprecedented 13-year sanction. The court's March 25 decision could set precedents for handling historical financial disputes in sports governance.
