Swiss authorities have arrested a number of leading FIFA officials meeting in Zurich on corruption charges brought by the United States, The New York Times has reported, citing law enforcement officials.
The arrests on Wednesday are reportedly related to allegations of wire fraud, racketeering and money laundering, the newspaper reported, adding that the US indictment involves more than 10 senior officials.
It is not yet known how many officials were arrested on Wednesday.
The allegations reportedly include TV and marketing deals and bidding for World Cups.
“We’re struck by just how long this went on for and how it touched nearly every part of what FIFA did,” a law enforcement official told the Times. “It just seemed to permeate every element of the federation and was just their way of doing business. It seems like this corruption was institutionalised.”
The US is expected to seek extradition of the officials who have been arrested.
Source: Aljazera
