FIFA has suspended Sepp Blatter as well as Michel Platini from all football-related activities for a total of eight years in the aftermath of an ethics investigation.
Both men were found guilty after investigations were conducted on a ‘disloyal payment’ of £1.3m that was made back in 2011.
A statement released on FIFA’s official website read: “The proceedings against Mr Blatter primarily related to a payment of CHF 2,000,000 transferred in February 2011 from FIFA to Mr Platini. Mr Blatter, in his position as President of FIFA, authorised the payment to Mr Platini which had no legal basis in the written agreement signed between both officials on 25 August 1999.
“Neither in his written statement nor in his personal hearing was Mr Blatter able to demonstrate another legal basis for this payment. His assertion of an oral agreement was determined as not convincing and was rejected by the chamber.”
Both men however maintain that they are innocent and Platini in particular, appears set to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
More to come…
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