Football ‘big two’ in Swiss Court

Two of world football’s biggest figures in the 21st century, former Fifa President, Sepp Blatter, and the man widely tipped to replace him, former UEFA President, Michel Platini were brought before the Swiss courts on Wednesday of this week on corruption charges.

The two, both forced to resign from their posts as heads of global football (Fifa) and its European subsidiary (UEFA), were central figures in a web of corruption which enveloped Fifa and led to a worldwide dragnet which caught several major football administrators, including in the Caribbean. Several powerful leaders in football not only lost their positions but some have even been jailed, while others, among them former Caribbean football powerhouse Austin ‘Jack” Warner still have charges pending.

Blatter and Platini are accused in a case where the former is alleged to have authorized what Fifa calls “an unlawful payment” of US $ 1.8 million to Platini. The defence counters that the payment was for Platini’s “advisory services” to Fifa. A verdict is expected by next month.