Former FIFA presidential candidate and football legend Michel Platini has filed a new criminal complaint in France against FIFA President Gianni Infantino and several Swiss officials, reviving a long-running dispute linked to the events that ended his bid to lead world football’s governing body.
Platini, who was once regarded as the leading contender for the FIFA presidency, alleges that a coordinated effort involving false accusations, abuse of influence and conspiracy was used to derail his candidacy nearly a decade ago.
His legal representatives confirmed that the complaint has been submitted to French judicial authorities in Paris. They also disclosed plans to pursue a separate civil action seeking financial damages from FIFA.
The latest legal move stems from the controversial investigation into a payment of two million Swiss francs made to Platini by former FIFA President Sepp Blatter in 2011. The investigation led to the suspension of both men from football administration in 2015 and effectively ended Platini’s ambitions of succeeding Blatter as FIFA president.
However, both Platini and Blatter were acquitted of fraud-related charges by a Swiss court in 2022. The acquittal was later upheld on appeal, clearing the pair of criminal wrongdoing.
In the renewed complaint, Platini has also named former Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber and former FIFA Legal Director Marco Villiger among those he believes played roles in the events surrounding the case.
Infantino, who was elected FIFA president in 2016 after serving as a senior UEFA official under Platini, has not publicly commented on the latest allegations.
The renewed legal challenge comes just days before the opening of the FIFA World Cup in North America, where Infantino is expected to participate in high-profile events alongside international leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump.
The case highlights the lingering divisions and unresolved tensions that continue to shadow global football administration following the corruption scandals that shook FIFA and reshaped its leadership structure in 2015.
Observers say the latest development could once again place FIFA’s governance history under scrutiny, even as the organisation prepares to showcase its flagship tournament on the global stage.
