Amid accusations of a high profile FIFA bribes scheme , 14 FIFA employees have been indicted, nine of whom are executives of the organization. U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch was provided details of the bribes and kickbacks by the governing body for soccer. The information revealed that the 14 persons allegedly participated in a scheme that generated over $150 million over a period of 24 years, according to BBC.
The investigation also alleged corruption in the 2011 FIFA presidential election. U.S. Attorney General, Loretta Lynch recently made a statement on what has recently been uncovered about FIFA’s indicted executives. She stated that FIFA executive”used their position to solicit bribes.” Lynch goes on to explain just how effortlessly and frequently this corruption occurred.
“They did this over and over, year after year, tournament after tournament.”
So, who exactly are these allegedly corrupt individuals. The list consists of nine executives who work for the organization in different countries.
Eugenio Figueredo was once a soccer player himself who later became president of CONMEBOL in South America. He also served as FIFA vice president from 1993-2013 and Uruguay federation president from 1997.2006.
Eduardo Li in the current Soccer federation president for Costa Rica. The accused is supposed to join FIFA’s executive team this week. So far, that plan is still in full effect despite the indictment. Li also holds a place on the CONCACAF executive committee.
Jack Warner is the former president of CONCACAF, who served from 1990-2011. Warner is also a former FIFA vice president and executive committee member, CFU president and Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) special adviser. Warner retired in 2011 amidst accusations of bribery.
Nicolas Leoz is the former president of CONMEBOL, where he held office from 1986-2013. After being accused of kickbacks in the 1990s, Leoz resigned from his role, citing health concerns as his reason.
Also among the indicted executives were Jose Maria Marin and Rafael Esquirel. They were accompanied by seven others who played a part in the alleged corruption which reportedly involved foul play in the 2010 World Cup. In addition to the investigation in the United States by Attorney General Loretta Lynch, Switzerland is opening a separate investigation to punish those accused of corruption that took place on Swiss soil.
Only one of the accused has spoken to the media about the allegations. Recently, Jack Warner indicating that he had nothing to do with the corruption in FIFA.
“The actions of FIFA no longer concern me.”
No other reports have been made of suspects denying involvement in corruption within FIFA.
[Image by Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images and FIFA]
