A Fifa court on Monday suspended Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini for eight years after finding them guilty of miss-using their respective positions over an alleged two million Swiss francs payment which was made to the suspended boss of European football, Platini.

The ban from all football activity comes with immediate effect. Not only that, Blatter who was Fifa’s president since 1998, slapped with a fine of 50,000 Swiss francs ($50,000/46,300 euros). Platini was fined 80,000 Swiss francs. Blatter and Platini, who remained the most powerful men in world football, however insisted that the payment made 4 years ago had been legitimate following a verbal contract. 

But Fifa’s ethics committee judges revealed the “assertion of an oral agreement was determined as not convincing and was rejected by the chamber”. The statement by the court also claimed both showed “abusive execution” of their powers. 

Blatter’s “actions did not show commitment to an ethical attitude, failing to respect all applicable laws and regulations as well as Fifa’s regulatory framework,” the court said. 

In case of Platini, the court said he “failed to act with complete credibility and integrity, showing unawareness of the importance of his duties”.

For Blatter, 79, the lengthy ban almost certainly refers the end of his career in world football administration.

For Platini, 60, the suspension has destroyed his hopes of replacing Blatter at the top of world football’s governing body, after having been regarded the favourite to claim the spot. 

The reaction to this lengthy ban was predictably swift and damning on social media.

 Blatter and Platini’s bans from “footballing activity” means they are still able to watch Louis Van Gaal’s Manchester United play.

— John Brewin (@JohnBrewinESPN) December 21, 2015

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