Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and ex-UEFA president Michel Platini have been declared innocent of corruption charges related to fraud allegations.On Tuesday, an appeals court in Switzerland cleared the two of impropriety over a payment of two million Swiss francs (£1.6m) Blatter made to Platini in 2011. The two were first acquitted of fraud offences in 2022, but Swiss federal prosecutors appealed the verdict.##NAJAVA_MECA_8804930##Both have denied allegations constantly, but this forced Blatter to resign and ended Platini’s hopes of succeeding him as FIFA head.Swiss prosecutors accused Blatter, 89, and Platini, 69, of deceiving FIFA over the payment to Platini, alleging forgery and fraud.Switzerland’s federal criminal court in Bellinzona cleared the two, accepting they had a “gentlemen’s agreement” over the payment. Federal prosecutors appealed the decision, leading to a new hearing.Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini CLEARED of corruption charges over historic FIFA payment 💷 pic.twitter.com/Qg7v754z77— Mail Sport (@MailSport) March 25, 2025 Speaking to reporters following Tuesday’s verdict, Blatter said: “Finally, the court has dispensed justice and for me, my family and my friends. This is a big thing.”Platini told reporters his “persecution” was “now totally over”, adding: “Today, my honour has returned and I am very happy.”Platini’s lawyer has said they are now planning legal action against those responsible for the criminal proceedings.##EDITORS_CHOICE##
