Michel Platini filed a criminal complaint and civil action against FIFA president Gianni Infantino and other former officials. The initiative took place this Monday, according to a statement sent to the AFP agency. The former UEFA president claims that a conspiracy prevented him from running for president of world football’s highest governing body more than ten years ago.
The measure comes just days before the start of the 2026 World Cup, which will be played in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Platini, 70 years old, had already made similar accusations to the Swiss authorities in 2022. Now, he is turning to French justice to advance the case.
Criminal complaint targets specific names
The criminal complaint filed in Paris accuses Infantino and five other former Swiss justice and football officials. Among them are the former president of FIFA’s audit committee, Domenico Scala, and the entity’s former legal director, Marco Villiger. Platini’s lawyers speak of slanderous denunciation and influence peddling.
- Infantino would have participated in actions to prevent Platini’s candidacy
- Scala and Villiger are cited for alleged undue influence
- The complaint mentions false evidence in a 2015 investigation
- Lawyers foresee investigation into coordination between FIFA and Swiss authorities
Platini maintains that these acts blocked his path towards becoming head of FIFA. At the time, he was one of the favorites, but a payment of 2 million Swiss francs, received in 2011 from Sepp Blatter, sparked investigations. The former French player was temporarily banned by FIFA ethics, but acquitted in subsequent trials in Switzerland.
The action takes place at a delicate time for world football. The 2026 World Cup is approaching with an expanded format for 48 teams. The case reignites debates about governance at FIFA.
Civil action seeks financial compensation
In addition to the criminal sphere, Platini’s lawyers are preparing civil action against FIFA. The objective is to obtain compensation for damages. Lawyer Olivier Baratelli will lead the process. No specific amounts of the compensation claim were disclosed.
Platini was one of the greatest players in the history of French football. He won the Ballon d’Or and led UEFA for years. His career as a manager ended abruptly after the 2015 scandal. He has always denied irregularities in the payment made by Blatter.
Infantino, who was UEFA general secretary at the time, repeatedly denied any involvement in a plot against Platini. He became president of FIFA in 2016 and is serving his current term.
Context of the case that changed FIFA
The payment of 2 million Swiss francs took place in 2011. Swiss authorities investigated the case years later. Platini and Blatter were acquitted in the first instance and confirmed on appeal last year. Even so, the episode brought down Platini’s candidacy for the FIFA presidency.
The former French player argues that the case was used selectively. He points out that Infantino and others would have increased the visibility of the accusations to favor the Swiss in the election. Infantino won the election and has led the entity ever since.
French justice must now analyze whether there are elements to open a formal investigation. The process can take months or years. There is no immediate prediction from FIFA regarding the new actions.
Repercussions at the time of the World Cup
The proximity to the World Cup increases attention to the case. FIFA organizes the biggest national team tournament with record attendance and attendance expected. The entity’s focus is on preparing the stadiums and operating the event in three countries.
Platini successfully organized the 1998 World Cup in France. He follows football as a spectator and occasional commentator. His decision to return to the legal issue surprised part of the sports community.
Leaders consulted by international media outlets avoid commenting publicly so as not to interfere with the judicial process. The case remains in its early stages in the French courts.
Platini’s history at UEFA and FIFA
Platini took over UEFA in 2007 and has had a strong influence on European football. He promoted reforms in club competitions and advocated financial fair play. His departure from the power scene at FIFA represented a change of guard at the entity.
Infantino worked alongside Platini at UEFA before moving up. The two maintained a professional relationship until the scandal. Afterwards, the Swiss built an independent path and consolidated power at FIFA.
The 2015 episode also involved then-president Sepp Blatter. He also stepped down amid investigations. International football has experienced years of turbulence with successive allegations of corruption.
What changes with the new action
The complaint in France paves the way for testimonies and document analysis. Platini’s lawyers intend to prove coordination between the people mentioned. They seek to demonstrate that the objective was to eliminate a competitor in the 2015 election.
FIFA typically responds to lawsuits through its legal departments. So far, there is no indication of a change in the entity’s agenda for the World Cup. Infantino remains focused on organizing the tournament.
Platini, at 70, seeks complete rehabilitation of his image. He has stated in previous interviews that the case tarnished his career. The acquittal in Switzerland did not end the public debate.
The outcome depends on the pace of French justice. Cases involving international entities can be extended. For now, the episode adds a layer of tension to the pre-World Cup environment.