Michel Platini Files Criminal Complaint Against FIFA President Infantino Before 2026 World Cup
Former UEFA president Michel Platini filed a criminal complaint against FIFA President Gianni Infantino on June 8, 2026, accusing him of influence peddling and slanderous denunciation. The complaint, filed three days before the 2026 World Cup, also targets two former FIFA officials. Platini seeks civil party status to trigger an investigating judge. This follows a 2021 complaint that was dismissed in October 2025. The case stems from the 2015 scandal that derailed Platini’s FIFA presidency bid, reigniting a long-running feud between the two football executives.
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Platini launches legal proceedings against Fifa and Infantino over corruption allegations
Former Uefa president Michel Platini has initiated civil and criminal legal proceedings against Fifa and its current president Gianni Infantino, alleging corruption and malicious prosecution related to a 2015 scandal that derailed his bid to lead world football's governing body. The criminal complaint, filed in French courts, accuses Infantino and two former Fifa officials of malicious prosecution. A separate civil lawsuit seeks financial compensation from Fifa for allegedly blocking Platini's election as Fifa president. The legal action follows the 2015 controversy over a 2 million Swiss franc payment to Platini, which led to the resignation of then-Fifa president Sepp Blatter and ended Platini's presidential hopes. Both Platini and Blatter were cleared of corruption charges by a Swiss federal criminal appeals court in March 2025. Infantino, who was Uefa general secretary under Platini, succeeded Blatter as Fifa president.
BBC SportCriminal complaint filed against FIFA president Gianni Infantino by his former boss Michel Platini
Former UEFA president Michel Platini has filed a criminal complaint in Paris against FIFA president Gianni Infantino and two former FIFA officials, Marco Villiger and Domenico Scala, accusing them of malicious prosecution and influence peddling. Platini claims they conspired to destroy his chances of succeeding Sepp Blatter as FIFA president. The case stems from a 2015 scandal involving a two million Swiss francs payment from Blatter to Platini, for which both were suspended but later cleared by Swiss courts. Infantino, who was Platini's former subordinate at UEFA, succeeded Blatter in 2016. The legal action became public just days before the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada, causing embarrassment for FIFA. The article also notes other pre-tournament controversies, including Iran's threatened withdrawal and a referee denied entry to the US.
Mirror - FootballPlatini sues FIFA and President Infantino over alleged plot to block his succession
Former UEFA president Michel Platini is suing FIFA president Gianni Infantino and two former FIFA officials, Marco Villiger and Domenico Scala, accusing them of malicious prosecution and influence peddling. The lawsuit, filed in Paris, alleges a deliberate plot to block Platini from succeeding Sepp Blatter as FIFA president. The case stems from a 2015 scandal involving a 2 million Swiss francs payment from Blatter to Platini, which led to bans from FIFA's ethics committee. Both Platini and Blatter were later acquitted by Swiss courts. Platini is also seeking financial compensation from FIFA in Switzerland. The legal action was made public on the eve of the 2026 World Cup, causing maximum discomfort for Infantino, who has not commented. Infantino, formerly Platini's subordinate at UEFA, won the 2016 election to replace Blatter and has since consolidated power.
City AMPlatini Sues Infantino and Associates, Alleging Conspiracy to Block His FIFA Presidency
Michel Platini has filed a criminal complaint and civil lawsuit against FIFA President Gianni Infantino and two former FIFA officials, accusing them of 'power peddling', 'conspiracy to defame', and 'false accusations' that prevented his election as FIFA president in 2016. The complaint, submitted to a Paris investigative judge, also targets Marco Villig and Domenico Scala. Platini is seeking damages equivalent to the salary he would have earned as FIFA president. The legal action stems from the 2015 'FIFAgate' scandal involving a disputed 2 million Swiss franc payment, for which Platini was acquitted last summer. A civil hearing is set for December 8 in Marseille. FIFA has not yet commented.
虎扑 - 足球Michel Platini launches civil and criminal cases against FIFA and Gianni Infantino
Former UEFA president Michel Platini, now 70, has filed civil and criminal proceedings in France against FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino. Platini claims he was the victim of a plot to block his bid to become FIFA president in 2015, following a corruption scandal that ousted Sepp Blatter. The criminal complaint accuses Infantino, former FIFA audit committee chairman Domenico Scala, and ex-FIFA legal director Marco Villiger of malicious prosecution and influence peddling. It also seeks investigation into three senior Swiss judicial officials. Platini and Blatter were acquitted in two Swiss trials over a disputed 2 million Swiss francs payment, which Platini says was belated consultancy fees. The legal action comes days before the 2026 World Cup begins, with Infantino scheduled to hold a press conference. The Athletic has sought comment from FIFA.
Soccer - The AthleticMichel Platini launches civil and criminal cases against FIFA and Gianni Infantino
Former UEFA president Michel Platini has initiated civil and criminal proceedings in France against FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino. Platini, 70, alleges he was the victim of a conspiracy to prevent him from becoming FIFA president in 2015, when he was the favorite to succeed Sepp Blatter. The criminal complaint accuses Infantino, former FIFA audit committee chairman Domenico Scala, and ex-FIFA legal director Marco Villiger of malicious prosecution and influence peddling. It also asks an investigating judge to examine the possible involvement of three senior Swiss judicial officials. Platini and Blatter were acquitted in two Swiss trials over a controversial 2 million Swiss franc payment. The civil claim seeks damages from FIFA. The legal action comes just days before the start of the 2026 World Cup, a timing described as damaging for Infantino and FIFA.
Soccer - The AthleticMichel Platini launches civil and criminal cases against FIFA and Gianni Infantino
Former UEFA president Michel Platini has filed civil and criminal proceedings in France against FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino, alleging he was the victim of a conspiracy to prevent him from becoming FIFA president in 2015. Platini, once the favorite to succeed Sepp Blatter, was sidelined after a Swiss investigation into a 2 million Swiss franc payment from Blatter. The payment was later deemed legitimate by three Swiss courts, leading to acquittals for both Platini and Blatter. The civil claim seeks damages from FIFA, while the criminal complaint accuses Infantino, former FIFA audit committee chairman Domenico Scala, and ex-FIFA legal director Marco Villiger of malicious prosecution and influence peddling. Platini's lawyer will also ask a judge to investigate three senior Swiss judicial officials. The legal action comes just days before the 2026 World Cup begins, with Infantino scheduled to hold a press conference. The Athletic has sought comment from FIFA.
Soccer - The AthleticPlatini Files Complaint Against Infantino for Influence Peddling and Defamation
Former UEFA president Michel Platini filed a complaint in Paris on Monday against FIFA president Gianni Infantino, accusing him of 'false accusations' and 'influence peddling' related to the 2015 corruption allegations that derailed Platini's candidacy to lead FIFA. The complaint also targets two former FIFA officials, Marco Villiger and Domenico Scala. Platini additionally plans to file a civil lawsuit against FIFA seeking financial compensation for damages from maneuvers that prevented his election in 2015. The case stems from a 2 million Swiss franc payment authorized by former FIFA president Sepp Blatter to Platini in 2011, which triggered disciplinary and criminal proceedings that harmed Platini's candidacy and paved the way for Infantino, his former UEFA general secretary, to be elected FIFA president in 2016 and re-elected in 2019 and 2023.
FútbolPlatini Sues Infantino for Slanderous Accusation and Influence Peddling
Former UEFA president Michel Platini has filed a lawsuit against FIFA president Gianni Infantino for slanderous denunciation and influence peddling, according to a statement sent to AFP. Platini also sued two former FIFA officials, Marco Villiger and Domenico Scala, whom he accuses of co-responsibility for preventing his ascension to FIFA leadership in 2015. The 70-year-old former French football star had previously filed two complaints in Swiss court: one in 2018 against unknown persons for slanderous denunciation, which expired, and another in 2021 against Infantino for influence peddling, which was filed in October 2025. Platini believes Infantino, Villiger, and Scala worked to exclude him from the FIFA presidential race through unfounded accusations during a corruption investigation from which he was definitively acquitted last year. His removal paved the way for Infantino's unexpected election in February 2016, who was later re-elected unopposed in 2019 and 2023. Platini also intends to sue FIFA for compensation for damages suffered.
RecordPlatini Files Criminal Complaint Against FIFA President Infantino
Former UEFA President Michel Platini has filed a criminal complaint in France, accusing FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other officials of conspiring against him. The complaint alleges a coordinated effort to undermine Platini, who has been embroiled in legal and ethical controversies related to FIFA governance. This escalation marks a new chapter in the long-running feud between the two football executives, stemming from Platini's suspension and ban from football activities in 2015 over a controversial payment. The case adds to ongoing tensions within international football's governing bodies.
kicker Fußball NewsMichel Platini Files Complaint Against Gianni Infantino for Influence Peddling
Michel Platini has filed a legal complaint against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing him of 'influence peddling' and 'slanderous denunciation'. The complaint, announced via a press release sent to AFP on June 8, 2026, also targets two other former leaders of FIFA. This action comes as a retaliation for the events of 2015, when Platini's career was derailed while he was a candidate to lead FIFA. The complaint is expected to lead to the appointment of an investigating judge. The filing occurs just three days before the start of the World Cup, adding significant timing and context to the legal move.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertPlatini Files Lawsuit Against FIFA President Infantino
Michel Platini has filed a lawsuit against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing him of 'false accusations' and 'influence peddling,' according to a statement sent to AFP. The French football legend's legal action is seen as retaliation for events in 2015 that propelled Infantino to the top of world football. The lawsuit also involves two former FIFA officials and will be accompanied by a civil action aimed at appointing an investigating judge. Platini had previously filed a summary lawsuit over the same incident in 2021, but it was dismissed in October 2023. The case reignites a long-running feud between the two football executives.
虎扑 - 足球Michel Platini Files Complaint Against Gianni Infantino for Influence Peddling and Slanderous Denunciation
Former UEFA president Michel Platini announced on Monday, June 8, 2026, that he has filed a legal complaint against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing him of 'slanderous denunciation' and 'influence peddling.' The complaint, which also targets two former FIFA officials, includes the creation of a civil party, which will lead to the appointment of an investigating judge. This action is Platini's response to the 2015 scandal that derailed his bid to lead world football. Platini had previously filed a simple complaint in 2021 on the same matter, but it was closed without further action in October 2025. The announcement comes three days before the start of the World Cup in North America.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuMichel Platini Files Complaint Against FIFA President Gianni Infantino Amid Ongoing Legal Battles
Former UEFA president Michel Platini has filed a complaint against FIFA president Gianni Infantino for influence peddling and slanderous denunciation, just before the 2026 World Cup. Platini, a three-time Ballon d'Or winner and former French national team captain and coach, has been embroiled in a decade-long legal battle with FIFA over a disputed payment. He and former FIFA president Sepp Blatter were definitively acquitted in August 2025 in a fraud case. In exclusive interviews, Platini also criticized French football's financial crisis, commented on Kylian Mbappé's poor form at Real Madrid, and expressed shock at political statements by French national team players during Euro 2024. Platini has also taken legal action against three former FIFA leaders and was recently victim of a burglary where numerous trophies were stolen.
Home Football - actualitésMichel Platini Files Complaint Against FIFA President Gianni Infantino Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Former UEFA president Michel Platini has filed a criminal complaint against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, his former deputy at UEFA, for influence peddling and slanderous denunciation. The complaint, filed three days before the start of the 2026 World Cup, also targets two former FIFA officials. Platini is seeking to become a civil party, which would trigger the appointment of an investigating judge. This follows a previous complaint filed in 2021 that was closed without further action in October 2025. Platini has publicly criticized Infantino, describing him as a good number two but not a good number one, and suggesting Infantino took advantage of Platini's legal troubles to rise to power. The case stems from the 2015 scandal that derailed Platini's bid to lead world football.
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