Former UEFA president Michel Platini has launched legal proceedings against FIFA president Gianni Infantino, accusing him and two other former FIFA officials of conspiring to destroy his chances of becoming head of world football's governing body. The complaint, filed in Paris, alleges malicious prosecution and influence peddling.
Platini's legal team confirmed the action against Infantino, former FIFA legal director Marco Villiger, and ex-audit chair Domenico Scala. The case stems from a 2015 scandal involving a £2 million payment from FIFA to Platini, which led to suspensions for both Platini and then-FIFA president Sepp Blatter. Both were later cleared by Swiss courts.
The timing of the legal action is particularly awkward for Infantino, coming just before the 2026 World Cup kicks off in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Infantino is due to face the media on Wednesday, on the eve of the tournament.
Platini, now 70, and Blatter, 90, were acquitted of fraud and forgery charges by a Swiss federal criminal appeals court in September 2024. Platini is also pursuing FIFA for financial damages in Switzerland, claiming a calculated effort to prevent his succession of Blatter.
Infantino, who served as UEFA general secretary under Platini, succeeded Blatter in 2016 and has since consolidated his power. The controversy adds to a series of issues overshadowing the World Cup build-up, including geopolitical tensions and logistical challenges.
