NEW YORK: FIFA, world soccer’s governing body, will receive over $201 million in forfeited funds seized during a global soccer corruption probe, the US Department of Justice (DOJ), said on Tuesday.
Since the DOJ unveiled the corruption probe in 2015, more than 50 defendants have been criminally charged. Twenty seven people and four corporate entities have pleaded guilty, and two people were convicted at trial.
“Today’s announcement confirms that money stolen by corrupt soccer officials and sports marketing executives through fraud and greed will be returned to where it belongs and used to benefit the sport,” said Acting US Attorney Jacquelyn M. Kasulis for the Eastern District of New York in a statement.
“From the start, this investigation and prosecution have been focused on bringing wrongdoers to justice and restoring ill-gotten gains to those who work for the benefit of the beautiful game.”
The DOJ said $32.3 million in forfeited funds has been approved for an initial distribution to FIFA, CONCACAF, the confederation responsible for soccer in North and Central America, CONMEBOL, which represents soccer in South America; and various constituent national soccer federations.
“Kickbacks and bribes have a way of spreading like a disease through corrupt groups; pure and simple greed keeps the graft going,” said Assistant Director-in-Charge Michael J. Driscoll of the FBI’s New York Field Office.
“Not one official in this investigation seemed to care about the damage being done to a sport that millions around the world revere. “The only silver lining is the money will now help underprivileged people who need it, not the wealthy executives who just wanted it to get richer.
“Our work isn’t finished, and our promise to those who love the game – we won’t give up until everyone sees justice for what they’ve done.”
Reynaldo Vasquez, the former president of El Salvador’s soccer federation, pleaded guilty on Monday to a racketeering conspiracy charge arising from a corruption investigation involving the payment of bribes to stage and broadcast matches.
FIFA to receive over $201 million in forfeited funds from corruption probe
https://arab.news/myd5r
FIFA to receive over $201 million in forfeited funds from corruption probe
- 27 people and 4 corporate entities have pleaded guilty and 2 people were convicted at trial
- Department of Justice said $32.3 million in forfeited funds has been approved for an initial distribution to FIFA, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL and other federations
Liverpool on the up as new signings hit form, says Slot
- Hopes of retaining the Premier League title were high at the start of the season after Liverpool splashed out nearly $605 million on new signings
- But bar some bright moments from Hugo Ekitike, the new faces struggled in the opening months of the season
LIVERPOOL: Liverpool boss Arne Slot believes the Reds will only get better in the years to come as a huge outlay on young talent in the transfer market begins to bear fruit.
Hopes of retaining the Premier League title were high at the start of the season after Liverpool splashed out nearly £450 million ($605 million) on new signings.
But bar some bright moments from Hugo Ekitike, the new faces struggled in the opening months of the season.
Alexander Isak has been beset by injuries since his British transfer record £125 million move from Newcastle and will miss most of the rest of the campaign with a broken leg.
But Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong have recently hit the form that saw them earn a move to Anfield during a 13-game unbeaten run for Slot’s men.
“If you look at the age of the signings, they will be better next season and the season after,” Slot said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth.
“We’ve spoken about Florian that he lacked goals and assists in the beginning but he was so close and even now he could almost double it with the chances he’s having or giving to his teammates.
“I can only see positives in this team in terms of progress but we have to adapt so many times in the season.
“We are already in a good place but this club will be a good place tomorrow and the day after and the day after.”
Liverpool’s chances of retaining the title are long gone with a 14-point gap to leaders Arsenal and their target switching to securing Champions League football next season.
Slot’s side sit fourth but only six points separate them from Brighton in 12th.
Liverpool also took a giant stride toward the Champions League last 16 with a 3-0 win at Marseille on Wednesday.
But the Dutchman does not expect to add to his squad in what remains of the January transfer window.
“That’s what I expect, yes,” he added on the prospect of no new signings this month.
“But as I always say, if there’s an opportunity in the market or we think we can strengthen, this club will try to do so, but at this moment in time I expect it to stay mainly the same.”
