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HDH
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In a historic decision, a Swiss court has cleared the two former football chiefs of any wrongdoing.
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and French football legend Michel Platini have been acquitted of corruption charges after a Swiss appeals court cleared them of wrongdoing.
The ruling, delivered in Muttenz, near Basel, on Tuesday, upholds a 2022 verdict that found no legal basis to convict the two men over a controversial payment of 2 million Swiss francs (£1.6m) made in 2011.
The verdict marks the latest development in a case that has spanned nearly a decade.
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2015 was the year when FIFA was rocked by one of the most significant corruption scandals in sports history.
Swiss federal prosecutors had alleged that Blatter, 89, and former UEFA president Platini, 69, committed fraud and forgery, claiming the payment lacked legal justification.
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However, both men have consistently denied any misconduct, declaring that the sum was a delayed remuneration for advisory services provided by Platini to FIFA.
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13:00 - 08.11.2022
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Speaking after the ruling, Blatter expressed relief, saying as quoted by the BBC:
"Finally, the court has dispensed justice, and for me, my family and my friends, this is a big thing.
“I'm full of emotion right now."
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20:27 - 02.11.2021
Blatter and Platini charged by Swiss court over payment: Attorney General
Michel Platini arriving at the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland in August 2020
Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini: A scandal that shook world football
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The corruption allegations first surfaced as part of a wider probe into FIFA’s operations, which culminated in high-profile arrests and forced Blatter to resign from his role as the governing body’s president.
The scandal led to sweeping reforms within FIFA and also disrupted Platini’s ambitions to succeed Blatter as its head.
Prosecutors argued that the payment to Platini was fraudulent and had been made without proper authorisation.
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However, the defence maintained that it was a legitimate transaction based on a verbal agreement dating back to 1998, when Platini worked as Blatter’s adviser.
The Swiss Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona accepted this explanation, stating that a "gentlemen's agreement" had been in place.
Following the ruling, Platini described the outcome as a personal victory.
"My persecution is now totally over," he told reporters.
"Today, my honour has returned, and I am very happy."
What next for Blatter and Platini?
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Despite the acquittal, the case has left lasting implications on football governance and the reputations of those involved.
Platini's legal team has indicated that they will be seeking legal action against the authorities responsible for prosecuting the case.
"The Office of the Attorney General has not managed to find a single piece of incriminating evidence for over 10 years," Platini’s lawyer, Dominic Nellen, said in a statement as per BBC.
"These proceedings were not justified and should never have been conducted."
Blatter and Platini, once two of the most influential figures in football administration, have largely remained out of the public eye since their legal troubles began.
Platini, a three-time Ballon d’Or winner and former UEFA president, had his career in football administration derailed by the scandal, while Blatter’s legacy remains tainted despite his acquittal.
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