Former UEFA president Michel Platini has filed a criminal complaint against FIFA president Gianni Infantino and two other officials, alleging malicious prosecution and influence peddling. The legal action, confirmed by Platini's legal team, targets Infantino, former FIFA legal director Marco Villiger, and former audit chair Domenico Scala. The complaint relates to a scandal that ultimately ended Platini's career in football administration.
Background of the dispute
Platini was the frontrunner to succeed Sepp Blatter as FIFA president in 2015 until Blatter was effectively charged with bribing Platini for votes for a fourth term. Both Platini and Blatter received suspensions from FIFA's ethics committee over a two million Swiss francs "disloyal payment." However, both have since been exonerated by Swiss courts.
Legal proceedings in Switzerland
In addition to the criminal complaint in Paris, Platini is also suing FIFA for financial damages in Switzerland. His lawyers allege that FIFA deliberately attempted to block his succession of Blatter. Infantino, who served as UEFA general secretary under Platini, was elected to succeed Blatter in 2016 and has held the position ever since.
Timing of the complaint
The disclosure of the legal proceedings comes just days before the World Cup kicks off in the United States, Mexico, and Canada on Thursday. The timing is likely to cause considerable embarrassment for Infantino and FIFA. Mirror Sport has contacted FIFA for comment but has not yet received a response. Infantino is set to face the media on Wednesday, on the eve of the largest edition of the tournament ever staged.
Previous acquittal
This development follows nine months after the acquittal of Platini, now 70, and Blatter, 90, on fraud and forgery charges by a Swiss federal criminal appeals court in September of the previous year.
Infantino's tenure
Since assuming office, Infantino has implemented sweeping changes to FIFA's operations and substantially increased its revenue. Last week, he topped City AM's inaugural Football Power List. The news marks the latest controversy in a series of events that have overshadowed the build-up to this summer's World Cup.
Other controversies
The United States conflict with Iran has been a major talking point. Iran threatened to withdraw from the tournament following airstrikes that claimed the life of their leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Italy was put forward as a possible replacement, and it was later mooted that Iran's fixtures could be relocated to Mexico at short notice. Despite the uncertainty, Infantino consistently assured that Iran would take part, while US President Donald Trump issued a threatening statement, asserting: "I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety." Trump eventually gave his tepid endorsement. In recent hours, Somalian referee Omar Artan has been refused entry into the United States, and Iranian fans have had their tickets revoked.
