Blatter and Platini's Lawyers Seek Reaffirmation of 2022 Acquittal in FIFA Appeal Case
The appeal focuses on a disputed $2 million payment, with prosecutors pushing for suspended prison sentences while the defense argues for upholding the prior not-guilty verdict.
- The appeal centers on a $2 million payment made in 2011 by then-FIFA president Joseph Blatter to former UEFA president Michel Platini, which the prosecution claims was improper.
- Blatter and Platini maintain that the payment was for legitimate consulting services under a verbal agreement, a claim the prosecution disputes.
- In 2022, the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona acquitted both men citing insufficient evidence; the prosecution has sought to overturn this decision.
- Prosecutors are now requesting suspended prison sentences of one year and eight months for both Blatter and Platini in the ongoing appeal trial in Muttenz.
- A verdict is expected on March 25, with the defense arguing that the case was politically motivated to block Platini's potential FIFA presidency.
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