FIFA bans Blatter, Platini for eight years

Zurich: A FIFA court today banned Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini for eight years after finding them guilty of abusing their positions over a USD 2 million payment that was made to the suspended head of European football.

Both were "immediately" banned from all football activity. Blatter, FIFA's president since 1998, was fined 50,000 Swiss francs (USD 50,000/46,300 euros). Platini was fined 80,000 Swiss francs.

A statement by the court said both showed "abusive execution" of their powers. In the case of Platini, the court said he "failed to act with complete credibility and integrity, showing unawareness of the importance of his duties.