Blatter and Platini: Soccer Titans Await Swiss Verdict

Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini face a Swiss court ruling on corruption charges that ended their football careers. The case involves a controversial payment authorized by Blatter to Platini. Initially cleared, the duo now faces an appeal potentially leading to suspended jail time and money confiscation.

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and French soccer legend Michel Platini are set to hear the outcome of their corruption trial at a Swiss court on Tuesday. The case centers on a payment that significantly impacted their careers in the football world.

The prominent figures, previously cleared by a lower court in 2022, return to the Extraordinary Appeals Chamber following an appeal by Swiss prosecutors. The dispute involves a $2.27 million payment authorized by Blatter in 2011 to Platini, which they claimed was a deferred consultancy fee.

This high-profile case, which brought their football administrative careers to a halt, was marked by accusations of deception and internal power struggles. Prosecutors seek to impose suspended jail sentences on both, while the verdict can still be appealed at Switzerland's Federal Court.

(With inputs from agencies.)