‘Deep-Rooted’ Corruption, Racketeering Alleged
SOURCE FBI: 05/31/15
The U.S. government this morning unsealed indictments in a New York federal court against high-ranking officials and corporate executives affiliated with FIFA, the governing body of international soccer, for their roles in a decades-long scheme to corrupt the sport through bribes, kickbacks, and other criminal activity aimed at controlling lucrative marketing rights to international tournaments such as the World Cup.
Nine FIFA officials—including two current vice presidents—along with five corporate executives were charged with racketeering, wire fraud, and money laundering, among other offenses.
\”The indictment alleges corruption that is rampant, systemic, and deep-rooted both abroad and here in the United States,\” said Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch. \”It spans at least two generations of soccer officials who, as alleged, have abused their positions of trust.\”
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