World football governing body, FIFA has disclosed that its former executives who are facing investigation for several cases of corruption received bribes from the South African FA to secure their world cup bid. Former Fifa vice-president and Concacaf president Jack Warner reportedly received the money to help South Africa secure the bid.
A former Concacaf general secretary Chuck Blazer has also pleaded guilty to corruption charges and admitted to receiving up to $4.5 million in bribes.
The world football governing body has lost credibility over the years as it has been mired in several allegations on corruption that saw former President Sepp Blatter and General Secretary, Jerome Volcke step down.
The new FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in the statement, “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,”
FIFA has gone ahead to lodge claims for an estimated $190 million forfeited by 41 FIFA officials; amounts received as bribes and kickbacks. Infantino said; “The monies they pocketed belonged to global football and were meant for the development and promotion of the game. 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.
“The defendants diverted this money not just from Fifa but from players, coaches and fans worldwide who benefit from the programmes that Fifa runs to develop and promote football.”
