FIFA president Sepp Blatter might remain unscathed from the U.S. Department of Justice’s investigation into corruption in soccer, but the authorities might work their way up the food chain shortly. According to the New York Times, U.S. officials believe that FIFA secretary general Jérôme Valcke was responsible for transferring a reported $10 million bribe from South Africa to the Caribbean Football Union, run by indicted executive Jack Warner.
U.S. officials believe FIFA secretary general Jérôme Valcke transferred $10 million bribe
The FIFA corruption scandal might get a lot worse for soccer’s governing body.
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However, it’s not clear that Valcke knew that the money was a bribe. The Times received a response from Valcke before running their story.
Mr. Valcke, who said in a brief email that he had not authorized the payment and did not have the power to do so, has not been charged or accused of wrongdoing.
Valcke was previously let go from FIFA due to a legal fight over a sponsorship deal ahead of the 2006 World Cup, but was eventually brought back and given a bigger position after his name was cleared. South African officials have admitted to a $10 million payment to CFU, but say it was not a bribe. Valcke recently announced that he would not attend the opening match of the Women’s World Cup while he attended to matters relating to the scandal.
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