FIFA Rejects Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini’s Appeals Against 90-Day Bans

FIFA has rejected president Sepp Blatter and vice-president Michel Platini’s appeals against their 90-day suspensions.

Sepp Blatter and Michele Platini were suspended in October while the world soccer governing body’s ethics committee investigates corruption claims against them.

Sepp Blatter, 79, is accused of signing a contract “unfavorable” to FIFA and making a “disloyal payment” to Michel Platini.

Both deny wrongdoing and could appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke was also suspended in October but there was no mention of him in today’s FIFA statement.

The adjudicatory panel of FIFA’s ethics committee is due to hold hearings into the misconduct charges before Christmas.

Former France captain and current UEFA chief Michel Platini – who wants to succeed Sepp Blatter as FIFA president – has said the 2millio euros payment was “valid compensation” from his time working under the Swiss more than nine years earlier.

They insist there was an oral agreement for the payment in 1998, although it was not made until 2011.

Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini were suspended after the Swiss attorney general opened criminal proceedings against Blatter, who has been FIFA president since 1998.

The ethics committee also opened an inquiry into Michel Platini over the payment.

Michel Platini’s suspension means his bid to succeed Sepp Blatter has had to be put on hold. He is one of seven candidates for the presidential election on February 26 but no integrity check will be carried out until his case is resolved.

Sepp Blatter was discharged from hospital last week after what was described as a “small emotional breakdown”.

Earlier this year, US authorities indicted 14 FIFA officials and associates on bribery and racketeering charges. A simultaneous Swiss investigation was started into the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.