Ten years have passed since Michel Platini’s name landed at the center of a major investigation. The French former footballer and ex-UEFA president faced accusations that threatened not only his career, but also his personal life. In 2015, Swiss investigators took an interest in a payment he had received from FIFA, marking the starting point for a series of legal battles and sanctions.
The focal point was a transfer of two million Swiss francs that Platini received from Joseph Blatter for consulting services rendered between 1998 and 2002. Platini repeatedly stressed that everything was done officially and declared to the tax authorities. Nevertheless, in December 2015, FIFA’s ethics committee banned him from football for eight years, a suspension later reduced to four years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
These events not only dashed his ambitions to head FIFA, but also took a serious toll on those closest to him. His family felt the brunt of it—Platini’s granddaughters faced accusations against their grandfather even at school. Public and media pressure followed him throughout the ordeal.
At the same time, Swiss prosecutors launched a criminal investigation. In 2019, Platini was detained in Nanterre as part of the probe into the selection of the host country for the 2022 World Cup. Investigators sought a prison sentence for both him and Blatter, but in 2022, the court ruled that there was insufficient evidence of fraud. Despite an appeal by the prosecution, in March 2025 the Federal Court fully acquitted Platini, closing the case for good.
Today, at 70, Platini remains calm but does not hide his disappointment over what he has gone through. He notes that he has no intention of giving up his fight for justice and to clear his name. According to him, the support of family and friends helped him get through this difficult period, and now he is ready for new challenges.
Platini’s story has become an example of how accusations can change the fate of even the most prominent figures. Despite all he has faced, he did not break and continues to defend his reputation, emphasizing the importance of honesty and principle in sports.
