Blatter: I Am Confident in My Innocence Regarding ‘Fraud Charges’
Former FIFA President Joseph Blatter has expressed confidence in facing the new round of legal proceedings concerning fraud allegations.
Speaking to the German Press Agency (DPA) before the appeal trial set to begin on Monday in Moutier, Switzerland, Blatter said: “I can fight if I have to. I am keen on settling this matter once and for all.”
Blatter, 88, the former head of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), and Michel Platini, 69, the former President of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), were acquitted of fraud charges in 2022. However, the Public Prosecutor’s Office has appealed the ruling.
The prosecution accuses Blatter of illegally transferring 2 million Swiss francs (approx. $2.23 million) to Platini in 2011.
According to the defendants, the payment was part of an oral agreement related to Platini’s consultancy work for FIFA.
Blatter maintains that everything was done legally, and initially, FIFA was a joint plaintiff in the case but later withdrew. He expressed confidence that the acquittal would be upheld.
“If the outcome is negative, I will have to gather new energy, and we will appeal the decision,” he said.
The verdict is expected on March 25, and Blatter resigned as FIFA President in 2015 amid a corruption scandal.
He has been banned from any FIFA-related activities since then, with the ban remaining in effect until 2027.
