Officials from FIFA have been arrested on charges of corruption. On Wednesday, the United States Department of Justice announced the arrest top FIFA officials as well as executives who have been involved in racketeering and frauds.
The Justice Department indicted senior FIFA officials on corruption chargse that date back to 24 years and involves over $150 million. The Swiss police arrested 7 FIFA officials on Wednesday in Baur au Lac, a luxury hotel, on Lake Zurich. A total of 9 FIFA officials were indicted in addition to 5 executives.
Due to the depth of the case and the longevity of the crime, the Department of Justice will continue to investigate the FIFA organization. "I can say this investigation is ongoing. It is continuing," said Attorney General of the United States Loretta Lynch.
Some of the officials took bribes, created offshore accounts, and laundered money through complex means. Many of the accounts were made in U.S. banks. The indicted officials include Vice President Jeffrey Webb, FIFA development officer Julio Rocha, Executive committee member Eduardo Li, Vice President Eugenia Figueredo, and Olympic soccer tournament organizing member Jose Maria Marin.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter commented on the charges on Wednesday.
"This is a difficult time for football, the fans and for FIFA as an organisation. We understand the disappointment that many have expressed and I know that the events of today will impact the way in which many people view us.," he began.
"Let me be clear: such misconduct has no place in football and we will ensure that those who engage in it are put out of the game ... We will continue to work with the relevant authorities and we will work vigorously within FIFA in order to root out any misconduct, to regain your trust and ensure that football worldwide is free from wrongdoing," said Blatter.
Though Blatter was not accused of involvement in the fraud, he was asked several times in the past to investigate possibilities of corruption within FIFA.
