Blatter And Platini Lose FIFA Appeals, Bans Reduced

FIFA appeals committee on Wednesday upheld the bans handed out to outgoing president of the soccer governing body, Sepp Blatter and s UEFA boss Michel Platini.

But the suspensions have been reduced from eight to six years, the BBC reports.

Both were found guilty of breaches surrounding a £1.3m ($2m) “disloyal payment” to Platini. They denied any wrongdoing and have said they will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Blatter, 79, added in a statement that he was “very disappointed by the appeal committee of FIFA.” Platini, 60, said it was “insulting and shameful” and a “political decision.”

The committee said “activities and services rendered to FIFA, UEFA and football” was a mitigating factor.

FIFA’s presidential election is due to take place on Friday to find Blatter’s replacement.

Blatter and Platini said the payment honoured a verbal or gentleman’s agreement made in 1998 for work carried out by the Frenchman when he was a technical advisor for Blatter.

 

Credit: BBC