US attorney general Loretta Lynch has outlined the charges against various FIFA members, including bribes to award the 2010 World Cup to South Africa.
Six officials from football’s governing body were arrested in Zurich today, having been indicted on charges of fraud, racketeering and money laundering.
US attorney general Loretta Lynch has outlined the charges against various FIFA members, including bribes to award the 2010 World Cup to South Africa.
Six officials from football’s governing body were arrested in Zurich today, having been indicted on charges of fraud, racketeering and money laundering.
The US Justice department released a statement before Lynch’s Press conference, declaring that the selection of South Africa for the 2010 World Cup was influenced by bribery, as was the 2011 FIFA election.
“Among the alleged schemes include the payment and receipt of bribes and kickbacks in connection with the sponsorship of CBF [the Brazilian FA] by a major U.S. sportswear company, the selection of the host country for the 2010 World Cup [South Africa], and the 2011 FIFA presidential election,” the statement declared.
The U.S. attorney general then adressed the media.
“Year after year football officials sought bribes from sports marketing firms,” Lynch announced at a Press conference to outline the charges.
“These people held responsibilities in every level of the game… instead they corrupted their priorities for their own gain. These include high-ranking officials at FIFA.
“The 47-count indictment includes charges of racketeering, wire fraud and conspiracy over two decades.”
Lynch also declared that $110m [€101m] worth of bribes were related to next year’s centennial Copa America alone.