In a significant ruling on March 25, 2025, former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and former UEFA chief Michel Platini were acquitted for the second time by a Swiss court in a high-profile corruption case. The Swiss Extraordinary Appeals Chamber cleared both men of charges, including fraud, mismanagement, forgery, and misappropriation of €2.1 million from FIFA in 2011.
This ruling follows an earlier acquittal in 2022, which the Swiss attorney general’s office had appealed. Despite the challenge, the court upheld its previous decision, dismissing the charges and officially declaring that the case had failed.
Details of the FIFA Corruption Case
The case centered around a payment of €2.1 million made by FIFA to Platini in 2011, for additional salary owed for his work as a presidential advisor from 1998 to 2002. The payment, according to Blatter and Platini, was based on a verbal agreement between them, a claim that was made repeatedly throughout their legal battles.
The payment remained undisclosed until 2015 when US federal investigators uncovered a wide-ranging probe into FIFA, revealing financial discrepancies and leading to the downfall of several top football officials.
Blatter and Platini’s Legal Struggles
Blatter and Platini’s careers have been marred by the scandal. Platini, once a strong contender to succeed Blatter as FIFA president, had his ban lifted in 2019. However, Blatter’s ban continued until 2021. Despite these setbacks, the two men had previously maintained that the payment was part of a gentleman’s agreement and were confident that they would be exonerated.
The ruling is seen as a victory for the two football leaders, but it might not be the final word. Swiss authorities could still appeal to the Swiss Supreme Court, extending the legal proceedings even further.
The Impact on Their Legacies
The ruling has significant implications for Blatter and Platini’s legacies. Both figures had been influential in the world of football before their involvement in the scandal, but their reputations were tarnished as a result of the corruption case.
While Platini and Blatter are cleared of criminal wrongdoing for now, their time at the top of football governance remains a controversial chapter in the sport’s history.
Platini’s lawyer, Dominic Nellen, has called for the end of the case, stating that after two acquittals, the matter should be put to rest. “Michel Platini should finally be left in peace in criminal matters,” Nellen said.
What Happens Next?
While this acquittal clears Blatter and Platini of criminal charges, the case is still not fully closed. If the prosecution decides to pursue an appeal, the matter could drag on further. However, for now, the ruling serves as a crucial moment in the ongoing saga surrounding FIFA’s corruption scandal.