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Ah, Sepp Blatter, there’s a name that leaves no one indifferent in the world of football. Born on March 10, 1936, this Swiss man, 1.81 meters tall and now in his seventies, spent nearly two decades at the helm of FIFA, making him as much an essential figure as a controversial one. Can you imagine? Almost twenty years running world football!
Before becoming this powerful leader, Joseph Blatter, his real first name, started his career in business, far from the fields. His destiny led him to sport, but honestly, who would have thought this quiet guy would become the president of an institution as huge and complicated as FIFA?
And then, there were those years when he seemed untouchable, until that dark “unfair payment” scandal broke out in 2015. Between accusations, suspensions, trials, and twists, Sepp Blatter never really found peace.
This judicial saga, which lasted nearly ten years, finally saw an acquittal at first instance in 2022, confirmed on appeal in early 2025. A kind of relief, but also the perfect illustration of an extraordinary legal saga. Hold on tight, it’s going to sting.
Sepp Blatter: from his origins to the controversial icon of world football
Joseph “Sepp” Blatter comes from Visp, a quiet corner in the Swiss Valais. Far from a shadowy figure, Blatter became one of the most powerful figures in international football by presiding over FIFA from 1998 to 2015. He long embodied world football, but not without raising some eyebrows.
Now 88 years old, he has weathered public storms with a certain stoicism. Married and discreet about his private life, Blatter is primarily recognized for his passion for football, even if his methods have often been questioned. You know, he’s the guy who ran world football when the business exploded.
Before his worldwide acclaim, he worked in advertising and communications, notably for the FC Sion football club. His trajectory was far from a smooth ride, marked by small victories and major setbacks.
But the real story starts with his spectacular entry into FIFA and, above all, the successes and controversies that followed. That’s where things get really juicy, you’ll see.
A career at FIFA between sporting grandeur and judicial affairs
From his election in 1998 at the helm of FIFA, Blatter launched numerous reforms and rode the media inflation around football. He refined the World Cup, made it more accessible, while multiplying the organization’s profits.
But hang on, because all this is also tainted by a major affair: in 2015, he was accused of having paid a suspicious sum of two million Swiss francs to Michel Platini, his friend and then president of UEFA. This famous “unfair payment” without a written contract that set off the fire in the football microcosm.
Consequence: a six-year suspension (reduced after appeal) for him, Platini resigned, FIFA wobbled, and Blatter eventually stepped down from the presidency. A huge shock for world football, which saw this titan leave in an unprecedented turmoil.
But the craziest part is the judicial saga that followed – nearly a decade of proceedings, with twists and acquittals. In 2022, the Swiss justice acquitted both of them and confirmed this decision in March 2025. You can imagine how much this story shook the football world.
Private life, anecdotes and recent projects: the man behind the leader
Rather reserved about his personal life, Blatter appears to be a simple man despite his enormous role. Married, he has always wanted to keep this intimate part away from the spotlights, even during media storms.
A nice anecdote? Blatter blew out his 89th birthday candles almost at the courthouse. A touching moment, if you consider the intensity of these ten years of legal battle.
In his rare interviews, he often speaks with a mix of bitterness and wisdom, denouncing an “American attack” aimed at destabilizing FIFA after the controversial awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar.
But at 89, he hasn’t turned the page: he still closely follows world football affairs and openly criticizes his successor, Gianni Infantino, whom he accuses of turning the body into a political machine rather than a sporting one. Blatter remains faithful to his vision of football as above all passion and sport.
Key milestones and highlights of his life
- 🎉 Born in 1936 in the Swiss Valais
- ⚽ FIFA President from 1998 to 2015
- 💸 Major judicial case over a payment to Michel Platini in 2011
- ⏳ Suspension then acquittal in 2022 and 2025
- 🎂 Celebrated his 89th birthday at the courthouse in 2025
- ⚖ Fierce critic of his successor Gianni Infantino
For a deeper dive into this saga worthy of a thriller, I invite you to read this comprehensive point on the pleadings of the appeal trial or this emotional return with Sepp Blatter after his acquittal. You will also find a clear and concise summary of this incredible affair on Franceinfo Sport.
The twists are far from over, as Le Monde has revealed the judicial backstage that continue to fuel controversy, not forgetting the criticisms against the current president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, who holds his ground in this saga.
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Sepp Blatter is a Swiss sports leader, president of FIFA from 1998 to 2015, known for his influence on world football and judicial controversies related to FIFA management.
What was the main scandal involving Sepp Blatter?
He was accused of having paid in 2011 a staggering sum of 2 million Swiss francs to Michel Platini, without a written contract, which led to accusations of mismanagement and breach of trust.
What is the status of the justice in this case?
After years of trial, Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini were acquitted at first instance in 2022, then finally on appeal in 2025, in this alleged fraud case.
What is Sepp Blatter’s current position on world football?
Blatter remains critical of his successor Gianni Infantino, denouncing a FIFA that has become too political and commercial, far from his original vision of sport above all.
Is Sepp Blatter’s private life publicized?
No, Sepp Blatter has always been discreet about his private life, preferring to keep this aspect away from the media and political turmoil surrounding his career.
