| While acknowledging for the first time that votes were bought in past World Cup hosting contests, FIFA is seeking to claim “tens of millions of dollars” in bribe money seized by U.S. federal prosecutors. Photo: AP |
GENEVA (AP) – While acknowledging for the first time that votes were bought in past World Cup hosting contests, FIFA is seeking to claim “tens of millions of dollars” in bribe money seized by United States federal prosecutors.
FIFA submitted a 22-page claim to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New York on Tuesday that seeks a big share in restitution from more than US$190 million (S$262 million) already forfeited by soccer and marketing officials who pleaded guilty in the sprawling corruption case.
Tens of millions of dollars more is likely to be collected by U.S. authorities when sentences are handed down, and from dozens of officials currently indicted but who have denied bribery charges or are fighting extradition.
FIFA claims it is the victim of corrupt individuals, despite widespread criticism that bribe-taking was embedded in its culture in the presidencies of Joao Havelange and Sepp Blatter, who was forced from office after 17 years by the current scandal.
In the document and an accompanying letter published by FIFA, it demanded return of salaries and payment of damages.
“The defendants grossly abused their positions of trust to enrich themselves…(and have) deeply tarnished the FIFA brand and impaired FIFA’s ability to use its resources for positive actions throughout the world,” the document said.
“These funds should be used to compensate the victims of the defendants’ crimes, particularly FIFA and its member associations and confederations.”
FIFA is also asking U.S. officials for an audit of the assets of Jeffrey Webb, from Cayman islands, a former president of CONCACAF, which governs soccer in North and Central America and the Caribbean.
FIFA lawyers wrote in a letter to U.S. prosecutors that Webb, who is charged in alleged bribery schemes, was living an “extravagant lifestyle” that included an expensive, casino-themed birthday party for his wife since his release on bond.
In all, 42 sports officials, executives and corporate entities have been charged in the United States under U.S. bribery and money laundering laws. The defendants include former members of FIFA’s all-powerful executive committee and former heads of national and continental governing bodies.
FIFA’s ethics committee banned Blatter for six years, and last month FIFA elected a new president, Gianni Infantino, and enacted changes to its governance structure in an attempt to stamp out corruption.
FIFA also said it had incurred substantial legal costs and was entitled to restitution for its attorney fees and similar costs that directly flowed from the investigations. AGENCIES
