Former UEFA President Platini accuses FIFA President Infantino and other officials of conspiring against him. He has now filed a criminal complaint in France.
Former UEFA President Michel Platini has filed a criminal complaint in France against FIFA President Gianni Infantino and five other former Swiss judicial and soccer officials. A spokesperson for Platini announced this a few days before the start of the World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, as reported by the AP news agency.
According to the 70-year-old, there was a conspiracy to prevent his election as FIFA president over ten years ago. The former French national team player accuses the defendants of, among other things, making false allegations and exerting improper influence.
In addition to the criminal complaint, Platini’s lawyers also intend to file a civil lawsuit against FIFA seeking damages. Platini had already raised similar allegations with Swiss authorities in 2022.
Infantino rose to become FIFA boss instead of Platini
Infantino was elected president of the world governing body in 2016. Previously, he had served as general secretary of UEFA under then-president Platini. The Frenchman had long been considered the favorite to succeed then-FIFA President Sepp Blatter.
However, Platini and Blatter came under scrutiny by Swiss authorities in 2015 over a payment of two million Swiss francs to Platini. Both were charged in a case involving alleged fraud against FIFA, but were acquitted in a final ruling last year following an appeal.
