Blatter and Platini acquitted, corruption not proven

In 2015, the US Department of Justice opened an investigation into corruption and money laundering at the International Football Federation (FIFA). In addition to the then head of FIFA, Michel Platini, then head of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), was also implicated in the case. Both have now been acquitted of the charges.

Michel Platini and Sepp Blatter were facing charges of corruption, mismanagement and embezzlement of FIFA funds, along with falsifying documents. Both testified before a three-judge tribunal at the Bellinzona court from 8 to 22 June.

Both Platini and Blatter have repeatedly denied guilt. According to their claims, everything they were accused of was legal and approved by the responsible FIFA authorities.

Platini had the amount of money paid to him by Blatter in 2011 confiscated. It was two million Swiss francs (almost 50 million crowns). He will now get it back.

Along with this, the former phenomenal footballer is entitled to compensation of around 3.5 million crowns.

Like Platini, Blatter is also entitled to compensation, but will have to settle for one million crowns less.

Platini already received an eight-year ban from football in 2015 for accepting money from Blatter. Thanks to a series of appeals, he managed to get his sentence reduced to four years, so it will end in October 2019.

Blatter also received a ban then, but for six years. In addition, he received another ban from FIFA, which does not expire until 2027.

Source: DW, CT Sport