Swiss court absolves Sepp Blatter, Michel Platini of graft charges
The two men, Platini, former UEFA president, and Blatter, who led FIFA for 17 years, were cleared of fraud by the Federal Criminal Court in the southern city of Bellinzona.
The two men, Platini, former UEFA president, and Blatter, who led FIFA for 17 years, were cleared of fraud by the Federal Criminal Court in the southern city of Bellinzona.
Blatter was banned from FIFA-related activities for eight years initially before the sentence was reduced to six years by a FIFA appeals committee.
"We are truly saddened by the passing of our client and friend, Chuck Blazer," his lawyers said in a statement.
Platini, 61, claimed there was a campaign to "destroy" him waged by Blatter loyalists inside FIFA.
Under the arrangement, the Argentine company averts prosecution if it avoids charges in the next four years, pays fines and returns tainted funds.
Blatter is still banned from taking part in any football-related activity for six years from October 8, 2015.
