FIFA judges to hear Michel Platini case despite his boycott

Lawyers for UEFA president Michel Platini will argue his case at FIFA’s ethics committee on Friday. Platini won't attend the hearing as he believes the panel has already made its decision to punish him. The case is linked to a seven-figure payment he received from FIFA chief Sepp Blatter, who gave evidence yesterday. Both Blatter and Platini were suspended in October after Swiss prosecutors opened a criminal investigation. A verdict is expected next week, with the two men facing the prospects of long bans from football.