Platini files criminal complaint against FIFA President Infantino in France

Platini's lawyers announced that, in parallel to the criminal complaint, they also intend to file a civil lawsuit against FIFA for damages. According to Platini's own statements, he wants to hold those responsible accountable financially as well.

Background: Acquittal in the appeal proceedings

The conflict has a longer history. As early as 2022, Platini had raised similar allegations with the Swiss authorities. In addition, Platini and the former FIFA President Sepp Blatter had come under scrutiny by the Swiss judiciary in 2015, among other things because of a payment of two million Swiss francs to Platini. However, in an appeal proceeding, both were acquitted with final effect last year.

Both – Platini and Blatter – had been charged in connection with the investigations on suspicion of breach of trust to the detriment of FIFA. With the acquittal in the appeal proceedings, the criminal proceedings ended without a conviction.

Platini, a former French national player, was long considered the favorite to succeed Blatter at the head of FIFA. Before Gianni Infantino was elected FIFA President in 2016, Infantino had worked as Secretary General of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) under the then UEFA President Platini.

From UEFA Secretary General to FIFA President

The relationship between the two top officials has been strained for years. The criminal complaint now filed in France is a further step in a legal dispute that has occupied the leadership levels of world football for over a decade.

Infantino initially did not comment publicly on the allegations after the complaint became known. FIFA has also not officially commented so far. The proceedings could drag on for years if the French judiciary takes up Platini's allegations.

Outlook: Criminal complaint shortly before the World Cup

In parallel to the legal processing, the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico is moving into the focus of attention. The tournament is starting soon, and Platini's complaint thus falls in a phase that is sensitive in sporting terms anyway.

Observers interpret Platini's step as a deliberate gesture shortly before the kick-off of the world's largest football tournament. It is expected that the coming weeks will heat up the debate about power relations, control, and transparency in world football once again.