Editors' note FIFA president Sepp Blatter and the head of UEFA Michel Platini could face long bans from football by the end of the year, sources close to FIFA prosecutors have told Sky Sports.
The pair are being investigated following an undeclared “disloyal” payment of £1.35m in 2011 for consultancy work carried out by Platini on Blatter’s behalf nine years earlier. Both men deny any wrongdoing.
FIFA’s Ethics Committee is handling the case and is keen to have proceedings wrapped by Christmas, with sources saying the pair face “multi-year” suspensions, likely to be at least five years, if found guilty.
Blatter and Platini are currently appealing the 90-day provisional bans they have been given, with a decision from FIFA’s Appeals Committee expected by the end of the week.
Following the decision the case will then be handed over to Hans-Joachim Eckert, the German judge heading up the Ethics Committee inquiry.
One caveat to proceedings is the health of 79-year-old Blatter, who has recently had a spell in a Swiss hospital after showing signs of stress.
Blatter is expected to state his defence in person in front of an Ethics Committee hearing.
Sky Sports reports that hearing will have a similar format to a trial, with the charges against the pair set out before the prosecution and defence make their cases. The panel will then reach a decision.
Blatter’s evidence and testimony will be a key part of proceedings and his absence may have a detrimental effect on the case.
Blatter and Platini could take their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne if found guilty, with sources hoping any appeal will be completed before the FIFA presidential election on February 26.
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