FIFA makes huge damages claim against ‘sordid’ officials

FIFA demanded tens of millions of dollars in damages from the “sordid” officials now facing charges in the United States over mass bribery scandals that have rocked world football.

In a wide-ranging admission to US authorities on the scope of soccer corruption, football’s governing body openly accused South Africa of paying a USD10 million bribe to secure votes for the 2010 World Cup.

FIFA also highlighted how one of the main accused, former FIFA vice-president Jeffrey Webb, has allegedly been leading a champagne lifestyle despite agreeing to hand over millions of dollars as part of a plea deal with US authorities.

World football is at the centre of multiple inquiries into bribery and misconduct and the award of World Cup tournaments.

On top of 39 individuals facing charges seven in the United States over more than USD200 million in bribes, its former leader Sepp Blatter and his heir apparent Michel Platini have both been banned.

FIFA acknowledged the widespread graft of recent decades in its most explicit manner yet. It accused the tainted officials of “brazen corruption”.

“By corrupting these tournaments, matches, sponsorships, and other football affairs through their backroom deals and secret payoffs, the defendants dragged FIFA into their sordid misconduct and tarnished the FIFA brand,” said the FIFA demand for restitution made to US authorities.”

FIFA said in a statement that it “estimates that at a minimum tens of millions of dollars were diverted from the football community illegally through bribery, kickbacks and corrupt schemes carried out by the defendants.

“This amount is likely to increase as the investigation continues.”

It will seek money from the $190 million that the United States says has been forfeited by the 39 individuals and two companies facing charges.

FIFA named 20 former executive committee members and leading officials in regional confederations that it said had taken more than USD 28 million in compensation, travel and other costs alone.

“FIFA as the world governing body of football wants that money back and we are determined to get it no matter how long it takes,” said Gianni Infantino, who was elected as FIFA president on February 26.

“The convicted defendants abused the positions of trust they held at FIFA and other international football organisations and caused serious and lasting damage to FIFA, its member associations and the football community,” Infantino added.

The FIFA claim said the corrupt officials “betrayed their duties and sold their powers to the highest bidder.”