Muttenz, Switzerland: Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and French football legend Michel Platini return to court in Switzerland on March 3, 2025, accused of fraud in an ongoing legal saga concerning a payment of 2 million Swiss francs (approximately $2.2 million). This hearing occurs 2.5 years after they were previously acquitted of similar charges.

The allegations date back to 2011, reportedly involving a payment made to Platini that, according to federal prosecutors, "damaged FIFA's assets and unlawfully enriched Platini." Both men insist the payment was an overdue compensation for consultancy work Platini provided to FIFA during Blatter's presidency from 1998 to 2002.

In July 2022, a Swiss court found them innocent, recognizing their assertion that a verbal agreement sanctioned the payment. However, the Swiss federal prosecutor appealed this verdict, leading to the current trial at the Extraordinary Appeals Chamber of the Swiss Criminal Court in Muttenz, where a verdict is anticipated by March 25.

During the opening statements, Blatter, nearing his 89th birthday, expressed his belief in his innocence, terming the prosecution's case against him "a witch hunt." He stated, "When you talk about falsehoods, lies and deception, that's not me. That didn't exist in my whole life," reaffirming his position amidst ongoing legal challenges.

Platini's representative, lawyer Dominic Nellen, argued that the initial acquittal was justified, insisting that the payment was lawful and reiterated that the court had found no basis for fraud charges. The defense claims the payment was approved by Blatter and delayed due to FIFA's financial situation at the time.

The prosecution is seeking a suspended 20-month sentence for both Blatter and Platini, invoking serious ramifications for both men who have already faced substantial ethical scrutiny. This case poses significant challenges to their legacies in football, particularly as it halts Platini's aspirations to ascend to FIFA’s presidency after Blatter's resignation.

FIFA, having previously suspended both Blatter and Platini in 2015 for breaches of ethics, remains a central figure in the unfolding drama, as it continues to pursue civil claims against both individuals, seeking the repayment of the disputed amount plus interest. Neither Blatter nor Platini has engaged in football since their suspensions.

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