Sepp Blatter, Michel Platini Banned from Soccer for 8 Years

Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini have been punished with eight-year bans from all soccer-related activities on Monday.

The ban was handed out by the independent ethics committee of FIFA, which concluded that both men, who are considered to be the two most powerful men in global soccer, were guilty of ethics violation. On top of the ban, Blatter, 79, was fined 50,000 Swiss francs ($50,360) while Platini, 60, received a fine of 80,000 Swiss francs ($80,576).

Blatter, the long-time president of FIFA, and Platini, the president of UEFA (Union of the European Football Associations), which is the governing body over soccer in Europe, are the latest casualties stemming from the investigation into the corruption at FIFA. Their particular case stems from a $2 million payment to Platini in 2011. The committee stated that the payment, which was approved by Blatter, did not appear to be legal.

Platini stated that the money, which was decided on via a handshake, was payment for his advisory work with FIFA from 1998 to 2002. Swiss investigators confirmed that they were investigating the payment in October. At the tine, they had placed Blatter and Plantini on provisional 90-day suspensions.

"Neither in his written statement nor in his personal hearing was Mr. Blatter able to demonstrate another legal basis for this payment," the committee said reported by the New York Times. "His assertion of an oral agreement was determined as not convincing and was rejected by the chamber."

The committee also concluded that Platini, who was seen as the frontrunner to becoming Blatter's successor, "did not show commitment to an ethical attitude." Platini reportedly did not respect the laws and regulations.

Blatter stated that he would be appealing the ban. Platini, will also be launching an appeal at FIFA followed by another one at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

"To say that it's a good day for me or for FIFA would be totally wrong," Blatter said defiantly. "I will fight. I will fight for me and I will fight for FIFA. Suspended eight years for what?"

Both men are expected to ask for an expedited process for their appeals.

FIFA is currently being headed by interim President Issa Hayatou of Cameroon and interim Secretary-General Markus Krattner. The acting president of the UEFA is Angel Maria Villar from Spain.

FIFA will be holding elections to choose the next president on Feb. 26.