FIFA investigations continue with startling results. The United States and Switzerland take lead positions.
“The problem of corruption in soccer is global,” stated Loretta Lynch, U.S. attorney general during a press conference in Zurich, Switzerland held with Switzerland’s attorney general, Michael Lauber.
According to both attorneys general, since May of this year, the investigation into the corruption and money laundering within the FIFA has expanded and now includes 14 suspects. Of the 13 that have already been detained, 3 are already in U.S. custody and 10 are awaiting extradition from Switzerland and other countries. Eduardo Li, ex-president of Costa Rica’s soccer federation, the Federación Costarricense de Fútbol (Fedefútbol), remains in Swiss custody since May 27 of this year.
“We’re not even close to half time.”
Lauber indicated that over 11 terabytes of electronic information has been gathered and include papers, documents and testimonials that strengthen the open cases and that could open the doors to new ones. The investigation of the World Cups of 2018 and 2022 to Russia and Qatar also included apartments in the Swiss Alps.
The U.S. Justice Department stated that it will take action against new individuals and organizations.
