Wrongly accused of corruption when he was in a good position to succeed Sepp Blatter at the head of FIFA, Michel Platini was definitively acquitted by the Swiss Federal Court of Appeal last March. A long legal ordeal which lasted ten years and which therefore deprived him of the presidency of the world football body.
“I was supported by 150 federations. Everyone wanted me…until the knives came out », castigated the former number 10 of the Blues during his visit to the Criminal Justice Festival in Sassuolo (Italy), and added: “ FIFA massacred me, the journalists massacred me. The hardest part is that no one believes you. »
Despite this cabal against him, “Platoche” says he is still standing. “ I am not a broken man. I had a good life, my family and friends helped me “, he confided. The most painful thing for him was the impact of this affair on those close to him: “ My granddaughters went to school and they were told: 'Your grandfather is corrupt.'»
Platini takes on the “Swiss mafia”
Michel Platini then pointed out the functioning of the CAS, the supreme body in matters of sports justice. And made heavy accusations… “ In Switzerland, the presidents of the committees are appointed by FIFA. Everything is done between them. Swiss prosecutors who conduct investigations have been asked to stay working at FIFA when they retire “, he denounced.
And to continue: “ The Court of Arbitration for Sport is paid one million a year by FIFA. A Swiss mafia where the sports court is the decision-making arm of FIFA leaders. It's not normal, it's not fair, it has to change. Football does not belong to UEFA or FIFA, it belongs to everyone. »
Now looking to the future, the 70-year-old is ready to take his revenge. “ I blame those who hurt mehe said. I will fight against injustice. And now the counterattack will begin. »
