Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini acquitted again in second FIFA financial misconduct trial
France 24MAR 20
Swiss Court Acquits Blatter, Platini Again in FIFA Corruption Case
Above: Former UEFA chief Michel Platini addresses media as he leaves the courthouse after the verdict of an appeal by Swiss Attorney General's office over a suspected fraudulent payment, in Muttenz near Basel, on March 25, 2025. Image credit: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This retrial was absolutely nonsensical and a waste of time and public resources, as the Federal Criminal Court had already confirmed that the contract between Blatter and Platini at the heart of this case was legitimate. Luckily, Swiss federal prosecutors carrying out this witch hunt did not succeed.
Narrative B
Prosecutors can still appeal to the Swiss Supreme Court even now that Blatter and Platini have been acquitted twice — and they must because a path to their conviction remains open. It has always been an uphill battle to translate their unethical practices into criminal offenses but one worth fighting for.