US authorities on Wednesday indicted nine FIFA officials and five sports marketing executives for racketeering, conspiracy and corruption charges.
Seven soccer executives were arrested in Switzerland by local authorities in connection with the charges and there are plans for their extradition to the United States.
Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced details of the indictment in a news conference held on Wednesday at the US attorney's office in Brooklyn.
“The indictment alleges corruption that is rampant, systemic, and deep-rooted both abroad and here in the United States,” Attorney General Lynch said in a statement. “It spans at least two generations of soccer officials who, as alleged, have abused their positions of trust to acquire millions of dollars in bribes and kickbacks.
"Today’s action makes clear that this Department of Justice intends to end any such corrupt practices, to root out misconduct, and to bring wrongdoers to justice – and we look forward to continuing to work with other countries in this effort.”
Swiss prosecutors have also opened a separate investigation into the bidding and awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments to Russia and Qatar respectively.
The news comes just days ahead of the FIFA presidential election which is scheduled to be held on Friday. FIFA indicated on Wednesday that the election would go on as planned.
“These are extremely serious charges and it is critically important for the entire sport of soccer that fans everywhere have confidence in the integrity of the institutions that govern the game,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “We, like the rest of the soccer world, will be watching this as it develops.”
