Former soccer leaders Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini have returned to a Swiss court to face charges of fraud, forgery, and misappropriation. The trial, which opened on Monday, marks a second legal battle for the duo, nearly three years after being acquitted by federal judges.
The charges stem from a 2 million Swiss franc payment approved by Blatter to Platini, which prosecutors claim damaged FIFA's assets and unlawfully enriched Platini. Both defendants have denied any wrongdoing, citing a verbal agreement for non-contracted work.
Blatter, now 89 years old, appeared frail as he entered the courthouse, followed by Platini. The trial is expected to last four days, with a verdict scheduled for March 25. Prosecutors have requested suspended sentences of 20 months.
The payment in question was made over 14 years ago and came to light during the corruption crisis that rocked FIFA in 2015. Both Blatter and Platini were previously banned from soccer following ethics committee investigations.
FIFA has pursued a civil case to recover the money paid to Platini, who maintains he declared it as income and paid taxes accordingly. The trial, being heard by three judges from different cantons, is a continuation of the legal saga that began over a decade ago.
Blatter, who is currently exiled from soccer until 2028 due to separate ethics violations, and Platini, who served a ban until 2019, continue to maintain their innocence as they face this latest legal challenge.
Soccer fans around the world are watching closely as the former FIFA and UEFA leaders navigate the complexities of the Swiss legal system once again.
