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FIFA Officials arrested in Zurich in fresh corruption claims

Fresh corruption claims in FIFA will dominate their Executive Committee meeting today in Zurich a...



FIFA Officials arrested in Zur...
Soccer

FIFA Officials arrested in Zurich in fresh corruption claims

Fresh corruption claims in FIFA will dominate their Executive Committee meeting today in Zurich after at least two members were arrested this morning.

The arrests took place in the Baur au Lac Hotel, the same scene where dramatic arrests took place earlier this year, days before the FIFA Presidential Election.

Swiss police, acting on behalf of American law enforcement agencies carried out the arrests this morning. Current CONCACAF President Alfredo Hawit is reported to be among those arrested. The dawn raid is expected to be focused on Central and South American officials.

The Swiss Federal Office for Justice (FOJ) have confirmed the arrests of two men, who are being held in custody, pending their extradition to America. "The detention orders issued by the FOJ are based on arrest requests submitted by the United States Department of Justice on 29 November 2015... The high-ranking FIFA officials are alleged to have taken the money in return for selling marketing rights in connection with football tournaments in Latin America, as well as World Cup qualifying matches. According to the arrest requests, some of the offences were agreed and prepared in the USA. Payments were also processed via US banks."

The news comes amid a Presidential campaign that will see Sepp Blatter replaced as FIFA President next February.

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