53 suspicious cases reported in probe into World Cup bidding
Swiss prosecutors say an ongoing probe into the handling of the two upcoming World Cup bidding processes has yielded 53 suspicious cases, as a corruption scandal involving officials in the world football governing body FIFA deepens.
Attorney General Michael Lauber said Wednesday that Swiss banks have reported “suspicious” cases involving 53 individuals and companies accused of wrongdoings in their financial transactions related to bidding contests for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
FIFA’s awarding of the two major tournaments, which will be held in Russia and Qatar respectively, has been the subject of huge debate since officials in Switzerland initiated a probe into the case almost three weeks ago. That came after Swiss authorities launched a raid on a gathering of FIFA officials in Zürich, arresting several people in relation to a separate case lodged in the United States.
The massive corruption scandal finally forced FIFA President Sepp Blatter to announce his resignation.
Lauber said questioning Blatter or FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke is not ruled out as part of the ongoing investigation, although he reiterated that neither are currently under suspicion.
He said that banks in Switzerland have been quite helpful as they have launched internal inquiries to uncover any wrongdoing related to FIFA case.
“We note positively that banks in Switzerland did fulfill their duties to file suspicious activity reports,” Lauber told a press conference, his first since the probe began.
Lauber described the case as huge and complex, saying the inquiry could take years.
“The world of football needs to be patient... By its nature, this investigation will take more than the legendary '90 minutes',” he said, adding that he feels no pressure with the next World Cup coming in three years.
“I don't care about the timetable of FIFA, I care about my timetable,” he said.
MS/HMV/GHN
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