Money was confiscated from former football officials involved in broadcast rights kickback scheme
FIFA will receive an additional US$92 million in compensation for losses in corruption cases, the US Department of Justice announced in communiqué issued on Thursday (June 30, 2022).
In August 2021, the Department reported that FIFA would receive US$201 million to compensate for losses. The money was confiscated from bank accounts of former officials involved in corruption schemes in world football after an investigation.
Concacaf, the continental confederation that administers football in Central and North America, and Conmebol, the equivalent in South America, are among the victims to be compensated.
“There was an extraordinary amount of money flowing between corrupt officials and companies in this massive scheme.” said FBI Assistant Director Michael J. Driscoll. “It is gratifying to know that the assets seized from the criminals involved will be distributed to groups in need of the money, one specifically focused on the education and protection of football for women and girls. The upside is that some good will come from the unbridled greed uncovered in this investigation.”
INVESTIGATION
The investigation process conducted by the FBI, the US Federal Police, resulted in charges against more than 50 defendants, from more than 20 countries. Corruption cases are mainly related to the offer or receipt of bribes paid by sports marketing companies to football managers. In exchange, they ceded media and marketing rights.
The investigation was opened on May 27, 2015. Initially, the list of accused consisted of 14 FIFA officials and sports marketing executives. Over time, this list grew.
In December 2017, two former directors of the International Football Federation, Juan Ángel Napout and José Maria Marin, were convicted of extortion conspiracy and other crimes related to the scheme. Entities pleaded guilty and banks acknowledged participation by not naming those responsible.
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