Denver Post · Dec 16, 2015
Michel Platini refuses to attend FIFA ethics case hearing
In this June 1, 2011 file photo, UEFA president Michel Platini, attends the 61st FIFA Congress held in Zurich, Switzerland. (ZURICH — Michel Platini's lawyers say he won't attend his FIFA ethics committee hearing Friday in protest as he believes his case has been pre-judged.
The lawyers say in a statement that the verdict "has already been announced last weekend in the press."
Though FIFA investigators have asked for a life ban to be imposed, Platini could reportedly escape with a ban of several years that would still effectively exile him and end his FIFA presidential ambitions.
Earlier Wednesday, FIFA ethics judges promised Platini a fair trial even if he does not attend.