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Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and France footballing legend Michel Platini were both cleared of corruption charges by a Swiss court on Friday. Blatter, who led FIFA for 17 years, was cleared of fraud by the Federal Criminal Court in the southern city of Bellinzona.

Platini, a former France national team captain and manager, was also acquitted of fraud.The two, once among the most powerful figures in global soccer, had denied the charges against them. On Friday they joked and shook hands before the judgment and looked relieved as the verdict was read out. 
Platini described his joy after the acquittal, saying the allegations had turned him from a legend of world soccer to a "devil".

"I want to express my happiness for all my loved ones that justice has finally been done after seven years of lies and manipulation," Platini said in a statement. "The truth has come to light during this trial," he added. "I kept saying it: my fight is a fight against injustice. I won a first game."

Prosecutors had accused Blatter, a Swiss who led global soccer body FIFA for 17 years, and Platini of unlawfully arranging for FIFA to pay the Frenchman two million Swiss francs ($2.06 million) in 2011. The case meant Blatter ended his reign as FIFA president in disgrace and it wrecked Platini`s hopes of succeeding him after he was banned from football when the affair came to light.

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Blatter, 86, had said the two-million franc payment followed a "gentlemen`s agreement" between the pair when he asked Platini to be his technical adviser in 1998. Platini, 67, worked as a consultant between 1998 and 2002 with an annual salary of 300,000 Swiss francs -- the most FIFA could afford because of money troubles the organisation had at the time, Blatter has told the court.

The rest of Platini`s one million per year salary was to be settled at a later date, Blatter said. The senior judge, Josephine Contu Albrizio, said a verbal agreement between Blatter and Platini seemed credible, as did the Frenchman`s seeing his market value at 1 million per year due to his status in the game. 
It also seemed implausible that Platini would have worked only on the basis of written contract that paid him such a paltry sum, the judge told the court.

It was also credible that Platini sought the extra money only in 2010 as he did not need the money immediately. The payment emerged following a huge investigation launched by the U.S. Department of Justice into bribery, fraud and money-laundering at FIFA in 2015, which triggered Blatter`s resignation. 
Both officials were banned in 2015 from soccer for eight years over the payment, although their bans were later reduced.

Platini, who also lost his job as UEFA president following the ban, said the affair was a deliberate attempt to thwart his attempt to become FIFA president in 2015. Platini`s former general secretary at UEFA, Gianni Infantino, entered the FIFA race and won the election in 2016.

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and France footballing legend Michel Platini were both cleared of corruption charges by a Swiss court on Friday. Blatter, who led FIFA for 17 years, was cleared of fraud by the Federal Criminal Court in the southern city of Bellinzona.

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and France footballing legend Michel Platini were both cleared of corruption charges by a Swiss court on Friday. Blatter, who led FIFA for 17 years, was cleared of fraud by the Federal Criminal Court in the southern city of Bellinzona. Platini, a former France national team captain and manager, was also acquitted of fraud.The two, once among the most powerful figures in global soccer, had denied the charges against them. On Friday they joked and shook hands before the judgment and looked relieved as the verdict was read out. Platini described his joy after the acquittal, saying the allegations had turned him from a legend of world soccer to a "devil". "I want to express my happiness for all my loved ones that justice has finally been done after seven years of lies and manipulation," Platini said in a statement. "The truth has come to light during this trial," he added. "I kept saying it: my fight is a fight against injustice. I won a first game." Prosecutors had accused Blatter, a Swiss who led global soccer body FIFA for 17 years, and Platini of unlawfully arranging for FIFA to pay the Frenchman two million Swiss francs ($2.06 million) in 2011. The case meant Blatter ended his reign as FIFA president in disgrace and it wrecked Platini`s hopes of succeeding him after he was banned from football when the affair came to light. ALSO READ | FIFA World Cup 2022: Stadiums to be alcohol-free for mega event in Qatar Blatter, 86, had said the two-million franc payment followed a "gentlemen`s agreement" between the pair when he asked Platini to be his technical adviser in 1998. Platini, 67, worked as a consultant between 1998 and 2002 with an annual salary of 300,000 Swiss francs -- the most FIFA could afford because of money troubles the organisation had at the time, Blatter has told the court. The rest of Platini`s one million per year salary was to be settled at a later date, Blatter said. The senior judge, Josephine Contu Albrizio, said a verbal agreement between Blatter and Platini seemed credible, as did the Frenchman`s seeing his market value at 1 million per year due to his status in the game. It also seemed implausible that Platini would have worked only on the basis of written contract that paid him such a paltry sum, the judge told the court. It was also credible that Platini sought the extra money only in 2010 as he did not need the money immediately. The payment emerged following a huge investigation launched by the U.S. Department of Justice into bribery, fraud and money-laundering at FIFA in 2015, which triggered Blatter`s resignation. Both officials were banned in 2015 from soccer for eight years over the payment, although their bans were later reduced. Platini, who also lost his job as UEFA president following the ban, said the affair was a deliberate attempt to thwart his attempt to become FIFA president in 2015. Platini`s former general secretary at UEFA, Gianni Infantino, entered the FIFA race and won the election in 2016.

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter, France football legend Michel Platini cleared of fraud in Swiss trial

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and ex-UEFA President Michel Platini are due to appear in a Swiss court on Wednesday facing corruption charges which triggered their downfall from the summit of global football.

Swiss prosecutors accuse the pair, once among the game`s most powerful figures, of unlawfully arranging a payment of two million Swiss francs ($2.08 million) in 2011 from FIFA to Platini. The case meant Blatter ended his 17-year reign as FIFA president in disgrace and torpedoed hopes by former France midfielder Platini of succeeding him.

It is one of 25 investigations by the Swiss Office of the Attorney General (OAG) into corruption in football, with some 12 still pending. Following a six-year investigation, the OAG accused Blatter, 86, of "fraud, in the alternative of misappropriation, in the further alternative of criminal mismanagement as well as of forgery of a document".

Platini, 66, is accused of fraud, misappropriation, participating in criminal mismanagement as an accomplice, and forgery of a document. Blatter and Platini, who were once close associates but are now bitter enemies, have both denied wrongdoing. They say they had a verbal agreement over the payment, which related to consultancy work by Platini between 1998 and 2002.

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Three judges at the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona, will hear the case in the trial which runs until June 22. A verdict is due on July 8. If convicted, Platini and Blatter face up to five years in jail. 
"This case goes back to an event in 2011. It is an administrative matter, a salary payment that was owed," said Blatter. "The matter was correctly declared as a salary payment, accounted for accordingly and approved by all the relevant bodies of FIFA."

Platini said: "I approach this hearing with serenity and confidence. I am convinced that justice will be fully and definitively done to me after so many years of wild accusations and slander. We will prove in court that I acted with the utmost honesty, that the payment of the remaining salary was due to me by FIFA and is perfectly legal."

FIFA`s Ethics Committee banned Blatter and Platini from football in 2015, initially for eight years, although this was later reduced. The committee said the transaction, made when Blatter was seeking re-election, lacked transparency and presented a conflict of interest.

When Blatter approved the payment, he was campaigning for re-election against Mohamed bin Hammam of Qatar. Platini, as president of European soccer association UEFA, was seen as having sway with European members who could influence the vote. The OAG said its investigation revealed that Platini worked as a consultant between 1998-2002 and that an annual compensation of 300,000 Swiss francs was contractually agreed.

Platini`s invoice had been paid in full but the former France international later demanded further salary payments of two million francs, it said. Platini, who captained France to victory in the 1984 European Championships, was forced to quit UEFA in 2016 after losing his appeal against his ban. He also lost his appeal at the European Court of Human Rights.

The three-time European footballer of the year had been favourite to replace Blatter after the Swiss administrator quit in the wake of the huge corruption scandal which engulfed FIFA in 2015. Instead, Platini`s former general secretary at UEFA, Gianni Infantino, entered the FIFA race and won the election in 2016.

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and ex-UEFA President Michel Platini are due to appear in a Swiss court on Wednesday facing corruption charges which triggered their downfall from the summit of global football.

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and ex-UEFA President Michel Platini are due to appear in a Swiss court on Wednesday facing corruption charges which triggered their downfall from the summit of global football. Swiss prosecutors accuse the pair, once among the game`s most powerful figures, of unlawfully arranging a payment of two million Swiss francs ($2.08 million) in 2011 from FIFA to Platini. The case meant Blatter ended his 17-year reign as FIFA president in disgrace and torpedoed hopes by former France midfielder Platini of succeeding him. It is one of 25 investigations by the Swiss Office of the Attorney General (OAG) into corruption in football, with some 12 still pending. Following a six-year investigation, the OAG accused Blatter, 86, of "fraud, in the alternative of misappropriation, in the further alternative of criminal mismanagement as well as of forgery of a document". Platini, 66, is accused of fraud, misappropriation, participating in criminal mismanagement as an accomplice, and forgery of a document. Blatter and Platini, who were once close associates but are now bitter enemies, have both denied wrongdoing. They say they had a verbal agreement over the payment, which related to consultancy work by Platini between 1998 and 2002. ALSO READ | Neymar strikes from penalty spot as Brazil beat Japan 1-0 Three judges at the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona, will hear the case in the trial which runs until June 22. A verdict is due on July 8. If convicted, Platini and Blatter face up to five years in jail. "This case goes back to an event in 2011. It is an administrative matter, a salary payment that was owed," said Blatter. "The matter was correctly declared as a salary payment, accounted for accordingly and approved by all the relevant bodies of FIFA." Platini said: "I approach this hearing with serenity and confidence. I am convinced that justice will be fully and definitively done to me after so many years of wild accusations and slander. We will prove in court that I acted with the utmost honesty, that the payment of the remaining salary was due to me by FIFA and is perfectly legal." FIFA`s Ethics Committee banned Blatter and Platini from football in 2015, initially for eight years, although this was later reduced. The committee said the transaction, made when Blatter was seeking re-election, lacked transparency and presented a conflict of interest. When Blatter approved the payment, he was campaigning for re-election against Mohamed bin Hammam of Qatar. Platini, as president of European soccer association UEFA, was seen as having sway with European members who could influence the vote. The OAG said its investigation revealed that Platini worked as a consultant between 1998-2002 and that an annual compensation of 300,000 Swiss francs was contractually agreed. Platini`s invoice had been paid in full but the former France international later demanded further salary payments of two million francs, it said. Platini, who captained France to victory in the 1984 European Championships, was forced to quit UEFA in 2016 after losing his appeal against his ban. He also lost his appeal at the European Court of Human Rights. The three-time European footballer of the year had been favourite to replace Blatter after the Swiss administrator quit in the wake of the huge corruption scandal which engulfed FIFA in 2015. Instead, Platini`s former general secretary at UEFA, Gianni Infantino, entered the FIFA race and won the election in 2016.

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and ex-UEFA President Michel Platini face Swiss corruption trail

Former UEFA chief Michel Platini was released from custody by the French Police early on Wednesday. No charges were brought against the former number 10 of Les Bleus after almost 15 hours of questioning, reported news agency Associated Press.

"I have always been at peace because I feel totally foreign to any of these matters. This is an old case, you know it, we explained it. I have always expressed myself with full transparency in all the newspapers. That's it, it goes on, they investigate, they search," said Platini after his release.

"A lot of noise for nothing. There you go, very long questioning. Michel Platini gave his testimony by answering as sincerely and precisely as he could, to all the questions put to him. I would remind you that he was heard 18 months ago as well, as a witness in a free hearing. We do not consider in any way that Michel Platini can be considered a suspect in any way, either yesterday or today or tomorrow. So it's a done deal for us," his lawyer William Bourdon said.

The French football legend elected to lead European football's governing body in 2007 was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ex-uefa-chief-michel-platini-arrested-in-2022-qatar-world-cup-probe-228291">taken into custody</a> by French anti-corruption police investigating the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to the gas-rich Gulf state Qatar.

Watch Platini's&nbsp;reaction:&nbsp;

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Also questioned on Tuesday were two one-time associates of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, adding a layer of political intrigue to the investigation of the hugely controversial decision to hold football's showcase tournament in a desert country so scorching hot in June and July that the matches will be played instead in November and December.

Platini, 63, led UEFA until 2015 when he was banned from football for four years for ethics violations including receiving $2 million payment from the disgraced former head of FIFA Sepp Blatter.

Qatar has been accused of buying votes in its bid to stage the World Cup and a subsequent report by US independent investigator Michael Garcia unearthed an array of suspect financial dealings, many linked to Sandro Rosell, the ex-Barcelona president who served as a consultant for Qatar.

Platini, a triple Ballon d'Or winner, was expected to succeed Blatter as FIFA president in 2016 before his fall from grace. He has been battling to clear his name ever since.

Former UEFA chief Michel Platini was released from custody by the French Police early on Wednesday. No charges were brought against the former number 10 of Les Bleus after almost 15 hours of questioning, reported news agency Associated Press.

Former UEFA chief Michel Platini was released from custody by the French Police early on Wednesday. No charges were brought against the former number 10 of Les Bleus after almost 15 hours of questioning, reported news agency Associated Press. "I have always been at peace because I feel totally foreign to any of these matters. This is an old case, you know it, we explained it. I have always expressed myself with full transparency in all the newspapers. That's it, it goes on, they investigate, they search," said Platini after his release. "A lot of noise for nothing. There you go, very long questioning. Michel Platini gave his testimony by answering as sincerely and precisely as he could, to all the questions put to him. I would remind you that he was heard 18 months ago as well, as a witness in a free hearing. We do not consider in any way that Michel Platini can be considered a suspect in any way, either yesterday or today or tomorrow. So it's a done deal for us," his lawyer William Bourdon said. The French football legend elected to lead European football's governing body in 2007 was taken into custody by French anti-corruption police investigating the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to the gas-rich Gulf state Qatar. Watch Platini's reaction: × Also questioned on Tuesday were two one-time associates of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, adding a layer of political intrigue to the investigation of the hugely controversial decision to hold football's showcase tournament in a desert country so scorching hot in June and July that the matches will be played instead in November and December. Platini, 63, led UEFA until 2015 when he was banned from football for four years for ethics violations including receiving $2 million payment from the disgraced former head of FIFA Sepp Blatter. Qatar has been accused of buying votes in its bid to stage the World Cup and a subsequent report by US independent investigator Michael Garcia unearthed an array of suspect financial dealings, many linked to Sandro Rosell, the ex-Barcelona president who served as a consultant for Qatar. Platini, a triple Ballon d'Or winner, was expected to succeed Blatter as FIFA president in 2016 before his fall from grace. He has been battling to clear his name ever since.

Ex-UEFA chief Michel Platini released, says he is at 'peace'

French police released former president of UEFA Michel Platini from custody early on Wednesday. No charges were brought against the former number 10 of Les Bleus after almost 15 hours of questioning.

Michel Platini released, says he is 'at peace'

Ex-UEFA chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/michel-platini-says-cleared-by-swiss-authorities-plans-return-139946">Michel Platini was arrested </a>Tuesday in connection with a probe into the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar, a source close to the investigation said.

The French football legend elected to lead European football's governing body in 2007 was taken into custody by French anti-corruption police investigating the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to the gas-rich Gulf state.

Qatar was named the host in a decision that triggered controversy over its suitability amid allegations of corruption.

Platini, 63, led UEFA until 2015 when he was banned from football for four years for ethics violations including receiving $2 million payment from the disgraced former head of FIFA Sepp Blatter.

Qatar has been accused of buying votes in its bid to stage the World Cup and a subsequent report by US independent investigator Michael Garcia unearthed an array of suspect financial dealings, many linked to Sandro Rosell, the ex-Barcelona president who served as a consultant for Qatar.

Platini, a triple Ballon d'Or winner, was expected to succeed Blatter as FIFA president in 2016 before his fall from grace. He has been battling to clear his name ever since.

Ex-UEFA chief Michel Platini was arrested Tuesday in connection with a probe into the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar, a source close to the investigation said.

Ex-UEFA chief Michel Platini was arrested Tuesday in connection with a probe into the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar, a source close to the investigation said. The French football legend elected to lead European football's governing body in 2007 was taken into custody by French anti-corruption police investigating the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to the gas-rich Gulf state. Qatar was named the host in a decision that triggered controversy over its suitability amid allegations of corruption. Platini, 63, led UEFA until 2015 when he was banned from football for four years for ethics violations including receiving $2 million payment from the disgraced former head of FIFA Sepp Blatter. Qatar has been accused of buying votes in its bid to stage the World Cup and a subsequent report by US independent investigator Michael Garcia unearthed an array of suspect financial dealings, many linked to Sandro Rosell, the ex-Barcelona president who served as a consultant for Qatar. Platini, a triple Ballon d'Or winner, was expected to succeed Blatter as FIFA president in 2016 before his fall from grace. He has been battling to clear his name ever since.

Ex-UEFA chief Michel Platini arrested in 2022 Qatar World Cup probe

The tradition of numbering players has gone on to become one of the most symbolic things in the world of football.&nbsp

Whenever a new signing is announced by the club, fans look forward to the jersey number that is given to him.&nbsp

Whatever may be the role, the footballing world has seen the best players ever to grace the field don the number 10 jersey for either their club or country or both.&nbsp

The No. 7 was often associated with a fast, pacy winger or the No. 9 was a number reserved for a goalscorer, the No. 10 is associated with the best, most influential player of the team.

So, let's look at the all-time greats to have donned the number 10 jersey

1. Lionel Messi: The Argentine forward might not have played in a traditional number 10 position in his career but he embodies the fundamental idea of having the number 10 on his back. It is said that the best player in a team usually wears the coveted 10 and who else is better than "La Pulga". However, many critics have said that Messi cannot be termed 'the best of all-time' without a World Cup to his name.&nbsp

2. Diego Maradona: The retired Argentine footballer was a saviour to his country, and to his clubs, Napoli and Boca Juniors. Maradona was a one-man army and he succeeded in becoming one of the best ever to grace the world. Sporting the number 10 jersey, he scored many magical goals which included the 'goal of the century' against England in 1986. The Argentinian legend was a classic number 10, a perfect player whose dribbling was second to none.&nbsp

3. Pele: The Brazilian footballer who played as a forward was the first superstar of world football and captured the imagination with his brilliant goal scoring feats and amazing trickery. He donned the number 10 jersey for Brazil for whom he won a record three World Cups. Brazil with Pele in the side is often termed as the best team of all-time, and the attacking quality in that team is still unmatched by any team since then. Pele was called the 'King of Football' for his sublime goal tally coupled with his trophy cabinet

4. Zinedine Zidane: The Frenchman was as elegant a footballer as one ever saw and was one of the best-attacking midfielders of his generation. His goal for Real Madrid in the Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen in 2002 still remains one of the best goals ever. Late legend Alfredo Di Stefano once described the former Real Madrid great: "He makes it worthwhile going into the stadium." Such was the aura and elegance of the man who sadly ended his career with a sending off in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy.&nbsp

5. Zico: He was one of the best playmakers to ever play football. His vision coupled with his brilliant finishing made him Brazil's talisman in the late 1970s and early 1980s. During this period, he was considered the best player in the world by football fans and critics. The Brazil team of the 70s and 80s put on quite a show with their flair and class, and Zico was at the helm of the side playing as a number 10. Zico played in a number 10 position for Brazil but remains one of the best players to have never won the World Cup.&nbsp

6. Ronaldinho: He donned many jersey numbers throughout his career but his standout years came at Barcelona where he sported number 10. The silky, flashy playmaker was an idol to an entire generation and also brought out a change in fortunes for the Catalans. He was FIFA's Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005 and also won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002. Ronaldinho did not score 30 goals a season or brilliant work rate in his career, but he was everyone's favourite whenever he entered the ground.&nbsp

7. Michel Platini: His prolific goalscoring made him one of the best footballers of his generation. Playing in the number 10 role, Platini achieved great heights at Saint-Etienne and Juventus while also playing a major role in France's 1984 Euro win. The Frenchman won three consecutive Ballon d’Ors from 19083-85 and was also adjudged French Player of the Century in 1999.&nbsp

With 10 more days to go, here is the significance of jersey number ten

The tradition of numbering players has gone on to become one of the most symbolic things in the world of football. Whenever a new signing is announced by the club, fans look forward to the jersey number that is given to him. Whatever may be the role, the footballing world has seen the best players ever to grace the field don the number 10 jersey for either their club or country or both. The No. 7 was often associated with a fast, pacy winger or the No. 9 was a number reserved for a goalscorer, the No. 10 is associated with the best, most influential player of the team. So, let's look at the all-time greats to have donned the number 10 jersey 1. Lionel Messi: The Argentine forward might not have played in a traditional number 10 position in his career but he embodies the fundamental idea of having the number 10 on his back. It is said that the best player in a team usually wears the coveted 10 and who else is better than "La Pulga". However, many critics have said that Messi cannot be termed 'the best of all-time' without a World Cup to his name. 2. Diego Maradona: The retired Argentine footballer was a saviour to his country, and to his clubs, Napoli and Boca Juniors. Maradona was a one-man army and he succeeded in becoming one of the best ever to grace the world. Sporting the number 10 jersey, he scored many magical goals which included the 'goal of the century' against England in 1986. The Argentinian legend was a classic number 10, a perfect player whose dribbling was second to none. 3. Pele: The Brazilian footballer who played as a forward was the first superstar of world football and captured the imagination with his brilliant goal scoring feats and amazing trickery. He donned the number 10 jersey for Brazil for whom he won a record three World Cups. Brazil with Pele in the side is often termed as the best team of all-time, and the attacking quality in that team is still unmatched by any team since then. Pele was called the 'King of Football' for his sublime goal tally coupled with his trophy cabinet 4. Zinedine Zidane: The Frenchman was as elegant a footballer as one ever saw and was one of the best-attacking midfielders of his generation. His goal for Real Madrid in the Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen in 2002 still remains one of the best goals ever. Late legend Alfredo Di Stefano once described the former Real Madrid great: "He makes it worthwhile going into the stadium." Such was the aura and elegance of the man who sadly ended his career with a sending off in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy. 5. Zico: He was one of the best playmakers to ever play football. His vision coupled with his brilliant finishing made him Brazil's talisman in the late 1970s and early 1980s. During this period, he was considered the best player in the world by football fans and critics. The Brazil team of the 70s and 80s put on quite a show with their flair and class, and Zico was at the helm of the side playing as a number 10. Zico played in a number 10 position for Brazil but remains one of the best players to have never won the World Cup. 6. Ronaldinho: He donned many jersey numbers throughout his career but his standout years came at Barcelona where he sported number 10. The silky, flashy playmaker was an idol to an entire generation and also brought out a change in fortunes for the Catalans. He was FIFA's Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005 and also won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002. Ronaldinho did not score 30 goals a season or brilliant work rate in his career, but he was everyone's favourite whenever he entered the ground. 7. Michel Platini: His prolific goalscoring made him one of the best footballers of his generation. Playing in the number 10 role, Platini achieved great heights at Saint-Etienne and Juventus while also playing a major role in France's 1984 Euro win. The Frenchman won three consecutive Ballon d’Ors from 19083-85 and was also adjudged French Player of the Century in 1999.

Football and the significance of Jersey #10

Former European football chief Michel Platini has said he has been cleared by Swiss authorities of any criminal wrongdoing over payments he received from FIFA that resulted in a ban for ethics violations and that he now plans to return to the game.

The Frenchman was banned from all soccer-related activities over a two million Swiss francs ($2.02 million) payment FIFA made to him in 2011, with former chief Sepp Blatter`s approval, for work done a decade earlier.

FIFA`s ethics committee said the payment, made at a time when Blatter was seeking re-election, lacked transparency and presented conflicts of interest. Both men denied wrongdoing.

A criminal investigation was opened against Platini, but the former France captain said on Saturday he had been told by the Swiss authorities that had now been closed.&nbsp

"After (three) years of investigation, the Public Ministry of the (Swiss) Confederation has just restored the truth by officially confirming that no charge has been at any time or will be in the future held against me in connection with my activities for FIFA," Platini said in a statement.

"This official information from an authority of justice attests definitely of my innocence."

Platini was initially banned from all soccer-related activities for eight years. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced the suspension to four years.

The 62-year-old added he and his family had been living a nightmare for the last three years.

"These years were difficult and painful," Platini said.&nbsp

"My honour and integrity have been tarnished. I was robbed for three years of professional life.

"I will come back: where, when, how? It is too early to tell. But I will come back to football."&nbsp

The Frenchman was banned from all soccer-related activities over a two million Swiss francs payment FIFA made to him in 2011,

Former European football chief Michel Platini has said he has been cleared by Swiss authorities of any criminal wrongdoing over payments he received from FIFA that resulted in a ban for ethics violations and that he now plans to return to the game. The Frenchman was banned from all soccer-related activities over a two million Swiss francs ($2.02 million) payment FIFA made to him in 2011, with former chief Sepp Blatter`s approval, for work done a decade earlier. FIFA`s ethics committee said the payment, made at a time when Blatter was seeking re-election, lacked transparency and presented conflicts of interest. Both men denied wrongdoing. A criminal investigation was opened against Platini, but the former France captain said on Saturday he had been told by the Swiss authorities that had now been closed. "After (three) years of investigation, the Public Ministry of the (Swiss) Confederation has just restored the truth by officially confirming that no charge has been at any time or will be in the future held against me in connection with my activities for FIFA," Platini said in a statement. "This official information from an authority of justice attests definitely of my innocence." Platini was initially banned from all soccer-related activities for eight years. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced the suspension to four years. The 62-year-old added he and his family had been living a nightmare for the last three years. "These years were difficult and painful," Platini said. "My honour and integrity have been tarnished. I was robbed for three years of professional life. "I will come back: where, when, how? It is too early to tell. But I will come back to football."

Michel Platini says cleared by Swiss authorities, plans return

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