19 June 019
Update
Michel Platini has been released by French anti-corruption investigators after being questioned.
He says he has been left feeling ‘hurt’ after being detained as part of a corruption investigation over the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar. He told reporters: “I came here freely and they immediately put me in custody … It hurts, it hurts for everyone I can think of, everything I did, it hurts, it hurts.”
19 June 019
Former UEFA President Michel Platini, former French soccer legend, has been taken into custody as part of a corruption investigation over the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar, the French financial prosecutor’s spokesperson told CNN on Tuesday. He has been serving a four-year ban from the sport since 2015, over a $2 million payment he received from FIFA.
He led UEFA from 2007 to 2015, and was the heir apparent to take over from FIFA head Sepp Blatter, until both men were swept out of the sport in the wake of the massive corruption scandal.
Former UEFA President Michel Platini, former French soccer legend, has been taken into custody as part of a corruption investigation over the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar, the French financial prosecutor’s spokesperson told CNN on Tuesday. He has been serving a four-year ban from the sport since 2015, over a $2 million payment he received from FIFA.
He led UEFA from 2007 to 2015, and was the heir apparent to take over from FIFA head Sepp Blatter, until both men were swept out of the sport in the wake of the massive corruption scandal.
An investigation into the controversial decision to allow Qatar to host the tournament, despite its human rights record and logistical problems posed by the nation’s laws, has led Platini being detained by French prosecutors. Fifa’s medical committee said that it was too dangerous to play a summer World Cup in the desert heat.
Platini won the Ballon d’Or three times during his career which saw him lead the Juventus side for five years between 1982-87. After his retirement he then became manager of the French national team. The team failed to qualify for the 1990 World Cup, and made a disappointing display at Euro 92. He then left his position in the national team. He then tried his hand in football administration, and played a key role in helping to organise the World Cup in France in 1998. CNN reported.
