Scandal Resurfaces: FIFA’s Dark Past Back in the Spotlight

Sepp Blatter, former FIFA president, and Michel Platini, ex-UEFA chief, are set to return to court to face long-standing corruption charges. This marks the latest chapter in a saga that has haunted global football governance for nearly a decade.

What’s the Case About?

The case revolves around a controversial payment of 2 million Swiss francs that Blatter authorized to Platini in 2011. Prosecutors allege that the payment was made without proper legal basis and was essentially a bribe disguised as backdated salary for Platini’s advisory work with FIFA.

Both men deny wrongdoing, insisting the payment was legitimate and based on a verbal agreement made years earlier. However, Swiss prosecutors view this as part of a larger pattern of financial misconduct during Blatter’s reign at FIFA.

Why Is This Case Back in Court?

Although Blatter and Platini were acquitted in 2022 by a Swiss court, prosecutors have appealed the verdict, pushing for a retrial. The case highlights ongoing scrutiny over FIFA’s financial governance and the culture of backroom deals that tainted global football’s governing body.

The Broader Implications

The Blatter-Platini case is not just personal — it’s symbolic of a broken system that led to the infamous 2015 FIFA corruption scandal, which saw dozens of officials indicted and led to sweeping reforms within FIFA.

For Platini, once tipped to succeed Blatter, the case destroyed his chances of leading FIFA and tarnished his legacy as a footballing legend turned administrator. For Blatter, it’s another blow to his already shattered reputation, after presiding over one of the most corrupt periods in FIFA’s history.

Key Timeline

• 2011: Payment of 2 million Swiss francs from FIFA to Platini
• 2015: Case surfaces during wider FIFA corruption probe
• 2016: Both Blatter and Platini banned from football by FIFA Ethics Committee
• 2022: Swiss court acquits both men, citing lack of evidence of wrongdoing
• 2025: Swiss prosecutors launch appeal, sending the case back to court

What’s Next?

If found guilty, both men could face significant financial penalties and potentially further damage their already stained reputations. The case also serves as a reminder that football governance remains under the microscope, even years after the original scandal erupted.