Blatter, Platini reiterate innocence in testimony to court
2 years, 6 months ago

Blatter, Platini reiterate innocence in testimony to court

Associated Press  

BELLINZONA, Switzerland — Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini strongly reiterated their innocence as the two former soccer leaders were questioned on day two of their criminal trial on charges of defrauding FIFA. “I feel much better, thank you,” the 86-year-old Blatter said at the start of Thursday’s session at the Federal Criminal Court of Switzerland in Bellinzona. “When I was elected FIFA president, we had a bad balance … at the time I had no idea, I simply had this man with me and he was worth this million but I didn’t know when and how he would get it.” Platini backed up Blatter’s comments in his testimony and claimed he should have been paid more, but had miscalculated the discrepancy in the amount he had been promised and his salary during his four years in the advisory role. “It’s not easy when you’re known worldwide to be criticised worldwide, especially when you have children and grandchildren … I hope there will be justice one day.” Criminal proceedings were opened against Blatter in September 2015 and it was years later, after Thormann left the prosecution team, that Platini was targeted. Platini’s lawyer, Dominic Nellen, attempted to show in court the prosecution office had colluded with soccer officials, and that this helped Gianni Infantino become FIFA president in 2016.

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History of this topic

Swiss prosecutors appeal against acquittals of Blatter, Platini
2 years, 2 months ago

Swiss prosecutors appeal against acquittals of Blatter, Platini

The Hindu  

Swiss federal prosecutors have filed an appeal to overturn the acquittals of former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and France footballing great Michel Platini on corruption charges, they said on Thursday. A judge said the pair's account of a 'gentlemen's agreement' for FIFA to pay Platini 2 million Swiss francs for consulting work was credible, and serious doubts existed about the …

Swiss prosecutors begin appeal process against Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini's acquittal
2 years, 5 months ago

Swiss prosecutors begin appeal process against Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini's acquittal

Firstpost  

Blatter and Platini, once the chiefs of world and European football respectively, were cleared on 8 July by the Federal Criminal Court in a trial following a mammoth investigation that began in 2015. Geneva: Swiss state prosecutors confirmed on Tuesday they have started the appeal process against the acquittal of former football chiefs Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini over a …

Swiss Prosecutors Mull Appeal in Sepp Blatter, Michel Platini Case
2 years, 5 months ago

Swiss Prosecutors Mull Appeal in Sepp Blatter, Michel Platini Case

News 18  

Swiss state prosecutors confirmed on Tuesday they have started the appeal process against the acquittal of former football chiefs Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini over a suspected fraudulent payment. Blatter and Platini, once the chiefs of World and European football respectively, were cleared on July 8 by the Federal Criminal Court in a trial following a mammoth investigation that began …

‘You will hear from us’: Sepp Blatter fires warning to football world after acquittal
2 years, 5 months ago

‘You will hear from us’: Sepp Blatter fires warning to football world after acquittal

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sepp Blatter has warned the football world “you …

Blatter and Platini acquitted on charges of defrauding FIFA
2 years, 5 months ago

Blatter and Platini acquitted on charges of defrauding FIFA

The Hindu  

Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini were acquitted on charges of defrauding FIFA by a Swiss criminal court on Friday, a rare positive outcome for the pair who were among soccer’s most powerful figures before being embroiled in corruption investigations. “I am a happy man because I also have to express thanks to the court today, to this city, for people …

Blatter and Platini acquitted on charges of defrauding FIFA
2 years, 5 months ago

Blatter and Platini acquitted on charges of defrauding FIFA

Associated Press  

BELLINZONA, Switzerland — Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini were acquitted on charges of defrauding FIFA by a Swiss criminal court on Friday, a rare positive outcome for the pair who were among soccer’s most powerful figures before being embroiled in corruption investigations. “I am a happy man because I also have to express thanks to the court today, to this …

Michel Platini, Sepp Blatter trial: Rise and fall of two former football heads
2 years, 5 months ago

Michel Platini, Sepp Blatter trial: Rise and fall of two former football heads

Firstpost  

Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini, once the chiefs of world and European football, were on Friday acquitted following a two-week trial in June over a suspected fraudulent payment that rocked the sport and brought a premature end to their time at the top Paris: Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini, once the chiefs of world and European football, were on Friday …

Blatter, Platini cleared of corruption charges at FIFA trial
2 years, 5 months ago

Blatter, Platini cleared of corruption charges at FIFA trial

The Hindu  

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and France footballing legend Michel Platini were both cleared of corruption charges by a Swiss court on Friday. Prosecutors had accused Blatter, a Swiss who led global soccer body FIFA for 17 years, and Platini, of unlawfully arranging for FIFA to pay the Frenchman two million Swiss francs in 2011. The case meant Blatter ended …

Sepp Blatter, Michel Platini Cleared of Corruption Charges at FIFA Trial
2 years, 5 months ago

Sepp Blatter, Michel Platini Cleared of Corruption Charges at FIFA Trial

News 18  

Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini were acquitted on charges of defrauding FIFA by a Swiss criminal court on Friday, a rare positive outcome for the pair who were among football’s most powerful figures before being embroiled in corruption investigations. The case was centred around a $2 million payment from FIFA to Platini with Blatter’s approval in 2011, for work done …

Verdict Due in Corruption Trial of Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini
2 years, 5 months ago

Verdict Due in Corruption Trial of Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini

News 18  

Swiss judges are set to rule on Friday in the corruption trial of ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter and France’s former football hero Michel Platini, once among football’s most powerful figures. Prosecutors accuse Blatter, a Swiss who led global football body FIFA for 17 years, and Platini, a former France national team captain and manager, of unlawfully arranging for FIFA to …

Sepp Blatter, Michel Platini face 20-month suspended jail sentences
2 years, 6 months ago

Sepp Blatter, Michel Platini face 20-month suspended jail sentences

The Hindu  

Prosecutors in the fraud trial of former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and vice president Michel Platini asked on Wednesday for both men to get 20-month suspended prison sentences. Blatter and his longtime right-hand man, former FIFA secretary general Jérôme Valcke, are now formal suspects in an investigation of alleged mismanagement relating to the FIFA World Football Museum project in central …

Blatter, Platini face 20-month suspended jail sentences
2 years, 6 months ago

Blatter, Platini face 20-month suspended jail sentences

Associated Press  

GENEVA — Prosecutors in the fraud trial of former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and vice president Michel Platini asked Wednesday for both men to get 20-month suspended prison sentences. Blatter and his longtime right-hand man, former FIFA secretary general Jérôme Valcke, are now formal suspects in an investigation of alleged mismanagement relating to the FIFA World Football Museum project in …

Swiss Prosecutor Calls for Suspended Sentence for Sepp Blatter and Michael Platini
2 years, 6 months ago

Swiss Prosecutor Calls for Suspended Sentence for Sepp Blatter and Michael Platini

News 18  

The Swiss prosecutor’s office on Wednesday demanded a 20-month suspended jail sentence for Michel Platini and ex-president of FIFA Sepp Blatter, accusing them of fraud. The prosecution accuses Blatter of having signed off an invoice for two million Swiss francs presented to FIFA by Platini in 2011, almost nine years after the end of his work as Blatter’s adviser. Hence …

Sepp Blatter avoids testifying at start of FIFA fraud trial
2 years, 6 months ago

Sepp Blatter avoids testifying at start of FIFA fraud trial

Associated Press  

BELLINZONA, Switzerland — Full of smiles and confidence before entering the courtroom, former FIFA president Sepp Blatter claimed later Wednesday he was bothered by chest pains and unable to testify on the opening day of his criminal trial. He is on trial along with former France great Michel Platini, his former protégé who had been considered Blatter’s successor as president …

Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini face Swiss corruption trial
2 years, 6 months ago

Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini face Swiss corruption trial

The Hindu  

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and ex-UEFA President Michel Platini are due to appear in a Swiss court on Wednesday facing corruption charges which triggered their downfall from the summit of global football. Swiss prosecutors accuse the pair, once among the game's most powerful figures, of unlawfully arranging a payment of two million Swiss francs in 2011 from FIFA to …

Fallen football chiefs Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini face fraud trial
2 years, 6 months ago

Fallen football chiefs Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini face fraud trial

Firstpost  

The pair are being tried over a two million Swiss franc payment in 2011 to Platini, who was then in charge of European football’s governing body UEFA. Former FIFA president Blatter, 86, and Platini, 66, start a two-week trial at Switzerland’s Federal Criminal Court in the southern city of Bellinzona, following a mammoth investigation that began in 2015 and lasted …

Blatter, Platini finally going to court in FIFA fraud trial
2 years, 6 months ago

Blatter, Platini finally going to court in FIFA fraud trial

Associated Press  

GENEVA — Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini’s 11-day trial on charges of defrauding FIFA starts Wednesday — finally bringing the epic downfall of soccer’s former world leaders into criminal court. Platini said he asked for “1 million” but Blatter would pay only the same as FIFA’s then-secretary general and promised the balance later. Platini testified at CAS he first asked …

Michel Platini and Sepp Blatter Fraud Trial Set for June
2 years, 8 months ago

Michel Platini and Sepp Blatter Fraud Trial Set for June

News 18  

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and former UEFA chief Michel Platini will appear before Swiss prosecutors on charges of fraud between 8-22 June, the criminal court concerned said on Tuesday. IPL FULL COVERAGE | SCHEDULE | RESULTS | ORANGE CAP | PURPLE CAP This will be the final hearing in a long-running saga that began in 2011 and stems from …

Sepp Blatter, Michel Platini to face Swiss corruption trial in June
2 years, 8 months ago

Sepp Blatter, Michel Platini to face Swiss corruption trial in June

The Hindu  

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and ex-UEFA President Michel Platini will go on trial in June to face Swiss corruption charges over a $2 million payment that world soccer's governing body made to Platini, the court announced on Tuesday. Prosecutors allege Blatter improperly arranged the payment to Platini, who captained France to victory in the 1984 European Championship, in 2011 …

Platini files criminal complaint against FIFA's Infantino
2 years, 8 months ago

Platini files criminal complaint against FIFA's Infantino

The Hindu  

Former France great Michel Platini has filed a criminal complaint against FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Platini’s lawyers said they filed the complaint in France alleging Infantino peddled influence and that Marco Villiger, FIFA’s legal director until 2018, was complicit. Platini asked French prosecutors to seek international cooperation to question Infantino, Villiger and four other men in Switzerland, including former attorney …

Platini files criminal complaint against FIFA’s Infantino
2 years, 8 months ago

Platini files criminal complaint against FIFA’s Infantino

Associated Press  

PARIS — Former France great Michel Platini has filed a criminal complaint against FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Platini’s lawyers said they filed the complaint in France alleging Infantino peddled influence and that Marco Villiger, FIFA’s legal director until 2018, was complicit. Platini asked French prosecutors to seek international cooperation to question Infantino, Villiger and four other men in Switzerland, including …

Sepp Blatter, Michel Platini indicted for fraud in Switzerland after six-year investigation
3 years, 1 month ago

Sepp Blatter, Michel Platini indicted for fraud in Switzerland after six-year investigation

Firstpost  

The 85-year-old Blatter and 66-year-old Platini now face a trial within months at federal criminal court in Bellinzona. Former FIFA officials Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini were charged with fraud and other offences by Swiss prosecutors on Tuesday after a six-year investigation into a controversial $2 million payment. The case centers on Platini’s written request to FIFA in January 2011 …

Sepp Blatter, Platini indicted for fraud in Switzerland
3 years, 1 month ago

Sepp Blatter, Platini indicted for fraud in Switzerland

The Hindu  

Former FIFA officials Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini were charged with fraud and other offences by Swiss prosecutors on Tuesday after a six-year investigation into a controversial $2 million payment. The case centres on Platini’s written request to FIFA in January 2011 to be paid a backdated additional salary for working as a presidential adviser in Blatter’s first term, from …

Ex-FIFA Boss Sepp Blatter Meets Swiss Prosecutor in Payment Probe
3 years, 4 months ago

Ex-FIFA Boss Sepp Blatter Meets Swiss Prosecutor in Payment Probe

News 18  

Former world football chief Sepp Blatter on Monday met with a Swiss prosecutor investigating suspected fraud surrounding a FIFA payment to Michel Platini, as the long-running probe inches towards a conclusion. Former FIFA president Blatter, 85, is being investigated over a two million Swiss franc payment in 2011 to Platini, who was then in charge of European football’s governing body …

FIFA loses court battle to revive probe of former president Sepp Blatter over World Cup media rights deal
3 years, 4 months ago

FIFA loses court battle to revive probe of former president Sepp Blatter over World Cup media rights deal

The Hindu  

A Swiss court has rejected world football body FIFA's bid to revive a criminal probe against its former president Sepp Blatter over a 2005 deal with the Caribbean Football Union to sell World Cup broadcasting rights. READ : Chelsea signs goalkeeper Bettinelli from neighbour Fulham Blatter, who led FIFA for 17 years until 2015, was accused of selling TV rights …

FIFA Extends Ban on Former President Sepp Blatter Until 2028
3 years, 9 months ago

FIFA Extends Ban on Former President Sepp Blatter Until 2028

News 18  

FIFA banned its former president Sepp Blatter until 2028 on Wednesday after handing him a new suspension of six years and eight months for receiving huge bonuses. Blatter, who is 85, received 23 million Swiss francs in “extraordinary bonuses” linked to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil as well as the Confederations …

FIFA extend bans of Sepp Blatter, Jerome Valcke for receiving 'extraordinary bonuses' linked to 2010 World Cup
3 years, 9 months ago

FIFA extend bans of Sepp Blatter, Jerome Valcke for receiving 'extraordinary bonuses' linked to 2010 World Cup

Firstpost  

Lausanne: FIFA banned its former president Sepp Blatter until 2028 on Wednesday after handing him a new suspension of six years and eight months for receiving huge bonuses. Blatter, who is 85, received 23 million Swiss francs in “extraordinary bonuses” linked to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil as well as the …

Blatter banned by FIFA a 2nd time for financial wrongdoing
3 years, 9 months ago

Blatter banned by FIFA a 2nd time for financial wrongdoing

Associated Press  

GENEVA — Sepp Blatter was banned for a second time by FIFA on Wednesday for financial wrongdoing, seven months before the 85-year-old former president’s first ban expires. FIFA said its ethics committee banned both Blatter and former secretary general Jérôme Valcke for six years and eight months for self-dealing in awarding themselves contractual bonuses worth millions of dollars, mostly linked …

Blatter banned by FIFA a second time for financial wrongdoing
3 years, 9 months ago

Blatter banned by FIFA a second time for financial wrongdoing

Hindustan Times  

Sepp Blatter was banned for a second time by FIFA on Wednesday for financial wrongdoing, seven months before the 85-year-old former president's first ban expires. Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter FIFA said its ethics committee banned both Blatter and former secretary general Jerome Valcke for six years and eight months for financial wrongdoing linked to awarding themselves contractual bonuses worth …

FIFA Ex-president Sepp Blatter Was in Coma after Heart Surgery, Daughter Says
3 years, 11 months ago

FIFA Ex-president Sepp Blatter Was in Coma after Heart Surgery, Daughter Says

News 18  

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter spent a week in an artificially induced coma after heart surgery last month, his daughter has told Swiss media. “Just before Christmas, he had to go to the hospital for heart surgery,” Corinne Blatter said in an interview with CH Media, adding the operation had been expected to be routine. FIFA in late December also …

FIFA files criminal complaint against ex-president Sepp Blatter over loss-making museum in Zurich
4 years ago

FIFA files criminal complaint against ex-president Sepp Blatter over loss-making museum in Zurich

Firstpost  

Blatter risks investigation at local level while already a suspect in two criminal proceedings opened by federal prosecutors into how he spent FIFA’s money as president. FIFA said on Tuesday it suspected “criminal mismanagement by FIFA’s former management and companies appointed by them” to work on the museum — long seen as a pet project of Blatter’s — in a …

Blatter, Platini now suspected of fraud in 5-year FIFA case
4 years ago

Blatter, Platini now suspected of fraud in 5-year FIFA case

Associated Press  

GENEVA — Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini are facing a more serious charge of fraud after Swiss federal prosecutors this week intensified a five-year investigation into the pair’s past dealings at FIFA. The open criminal proceedings had been focused on suspected mismanagement and misappropriation, plus an act of forgery by Platini, linked to FIFA paying the French soccer great $2 …

Sepp Blatter, Michel Platini Now Suspected of Fraud in 5-year FIFA Case
4 years ago

Sepp Blatter, Michel Platini Now Suspected of Fraud in 5-year FIFA Case

News 18  

Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini are facing a more serious charge of fraud after Swiss federal prosecutors this week intensified a five-year investigation into the pairs past dealings at FIFA. The open criminal proceedings had been focused on suspected mismanagement and misappropriation, plus an act of forgery by Platini, linked to FIFA paying the French soccer great 2 million dollars …

Former FIFA official's ban for corruption cut to 15 years
4 years, 2 months ago

Former FIFA official's ban for corruption cut to 15 years

India TV News  

Former FIFA Council member Kwesi Nyantakyi had his life ban for financial corruption cut to 15 years on appeal, the Court of Arbitration for Sport said Friday. Nyantakyi had been filmed by a television program in his native Ghana accepting $65,000 in cash from undercover reporters posing as businessmen seeking favours. Days before the 2018 World Cup opened, Nyantakyi resigned …

FIFA trial: Swiss court sets October 30 for verdict - Football News - Sportstar
4 years, 3 months ago

FIFA trial: Swiss court sets October 30 for verdict - Football News - Sportstar

The Hindu  

The nine-day trial of Qatari football executive Nasser al-Khelaifi and former FIFA official Jerome Valcke ended on Thursday, with Switzerland’s federal criminal court saying a verdict will be announced October 30. Prosecutors have asked for Al-Khelaifi to get a 28-month sentence, with all but four months suspended, for inciting Valcke as FIFA’s then-secretary general to commit “aggravated criminal mismanagement.” Al-Khelaifi, …

Sepp Blatter questioned in FIFA investigation in Switzerland: Football news
4 years, 3 months ago

Sepp Blatter questioned in FIFA investigation in Switzerland: Football news

The Hindu  

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter was questioned on Tuesday by Swiss investigators about a $2 million payment he authorized in 2011 to then-UEFA president Michel Platini. Blatter was quizzed about suspected criminal mismanagement at FIFA one day after Platini spent about three hours at the offices of Switzerland’s federal prosecutors. Blatter has also been a suspect since May in a …

Sepp Blatter Questioned In FIFA Investigation In Switzerland
4 years, 3 months ago

Sepp Blatter Questioned In FIFA Investigation In Switzerland

News 18  

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter was questioned Tuesday by Swiss investigators about a $2 million payment he authorized in 2011 to then-UEFA president Michel Platini. Blatter was quizzed about suspected criminal mismanagement at FIFA one day after Platini spent about three hours at the offices of Switzerlands federal prosecutors. Blatter has also been a suspect since May in a second …

Platini quizzed in Swiss investigation of $2M FIFA payment
4 years, 3 months ago

Platini quizzed in Swiss investigation of $2M FIFA payment

Associated Press  

GENEVA — Michel Platini was questioned at Switzerland’s federal prosecution office on Monday about a $2 million payment he received from FIFA in 2011. The payment led to his removal as president of European soccer body UEFA -- and as a candidate to lead FIFA -- when Swiss federal investigators revealed the allegation five years ago. Platini submitted invoices to …

Platini quizzed in Swiss investigation of $2M FIFA payment
4 years, 3 months ago

Platini quizzed in Swiss investigation of $2M FIFA payment

The Hindu  

Former UEFA president Michel Platini arrived at Switzerland’s federal prosecution office on Monday morning to be questioned about a $2 million payment he received from FIFA in 2011. Platini is formally a suspect because of the payment that led to his removal as president of European football body UEFA -- and as a candidate to lead FIFA -- when Swiss …

Michel Platini Quizzed In Swiss Investigation Of $2M FIFA Payment
4 years, 3 months ago

Michel Platini Quizzed In Swiss Investigation Of $2M FIFA Payment

News 18  

Soccer great Michel Platini arrived at Switzerlands federal prosecution office Monday morning to be questioned about a $2 million payment he received from FIFA in 2011. Platini is formally a suspect because of the payment that led to his removal as president of European soccer body UEFA — and as a candidate to lead FIFA — when Swiss federal investigators …

Former FIFA president Blatter calls for Infantino to be suspended
4 years, 4 months ago

Former FIFA president Blatter calls for Infantino to be suspended

The Hindu  

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has called for his successor, Gianni Infantino, to be suspended after criminal proceedings were opened against Infantino in Switzerland. “For me, the situation is clear, that the FIFA ethics committee has to open a case against Infantino and so it has to suspend him,” Blatter, 84, said in a statement to Reuters. “As usual, any …

Michel Platini now a formal suspect in Swiss case
4 years, 5 months ago

Michel Platini now a formal suspect in Swiss case

The Hindu  

French football great Michel Platini has been formally placed under investigation in Switzerland in relation to a USD 2 million payment he got from FIFA in 2011. Swiss federal prosecutors this month extended their open criminal proceedings into then-FIFA president Sepp Blatter’s role in the payment to include Platini, according to a document seen Friday by The Associated Press. The …

Fresh Swiss investigation targets ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter
4 years, 6 months ago

Fresh Swiss investigation targets ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter

The Hindu  

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter is the target of a new investigation in Switzerland for suspected criminal mismanagement of a $1 million payment from soccer funds. It is the latest allegation in Swiss and American federal investigations tying FIFA to irregular payments benefiting Jack Warner, its former vice president from Trinidad who is fighting extradition to the United States. READ| …

Fresh Swiss investigation targets ex-FIFA president Blatter
4 years, 6 months ago

Fresh Swiss investigation targets ex-FIFA president Blatter

Associated Press  

GENEVA — Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter is the target of a criminal investigation in Switzerland for suspected mismanagement of a $1 million payment from soccer funds. It is the latest allegation in Swiss and American federal investigations tying FIFA to irregular payments benefiting Jack Warner, its former vice president from Trinidad who is fighting extradition to the United States. …

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