trial of former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and French football legend Michel Platini over Alleged corrupt payments to stop on Wednesday when Blatter said he was too ill to testify.
Swiss prosecutors Husband accuses, once among football’s most powerful Numbers, of Arrange payment illegally of 2 million Swiss francs ($2.08 million) in 2011. Blatter and Platini both deny the accusations.
But Blatter appeared weak during the hearing in the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona said he was unable to address the court because of chest pains.
“Pain will come back And I’m facing difficulty Breathe’ 85-year-old told the court in hiss. Judges allowed him to testify on Thursday.
Earlier, lawyers for Blatter and Platinum failed To transfer the trial to a local court or dismiss FIFA’s civil action against Blatter and Blatter to claim 2 million francs.
“This case is being heard in The wrong “Federal trials,” Platini’s attorney, Dominic Nelen, told the court. should be booked for big, international cases.
The judges rejected the argument and also FIFA allowed remain included.
“It is clear that FIFA has been affected,” said FIFA lawyer Catherine Hall-Shirazi. Two million francs were stolen. “
Three judges will hear the trial that runs Until June 22. Judgment is awaited on 8. If convicted, Platini and Blatter face up to five years in jail.
Both denied any wrongdoing and said they reached a verbal agreement over Payment related to counseling work By Platini between 1998 and 2002.
Blatter, once at most powerful the shape in global footballhe reached the court on foot with curve and hold arm of for him daughter Corinne.
Before the session, he said he was positive and in a good mood.
“I know I didn’t do anything against Law. My life was football for 45 years with FIFA” outside court.
Platini, a former UEFA President, also He said he was confident, and joked that he would have to improve his German to be able to follow procedures.
“we will prove in The court you acted in with In all honesty, that payment of The remaining salary was owed to me by FIFA and is completely legal.” in Statement before the hearing.
Swiss office of The Attorney General (OAG) charged Blatter and Platini of “Forgery, in alternative of embezzlement, in The other alternative of criminal Poor management as well of Forgery of document.
Platini former UEFA president who K player France captain to win in European Championship 1984, was also accused of complicity.
Both Blatter and Platini, 66, were banned. in 2016 from football for six Years over paying off, made with Blatter’s approval for work A decade ago.
