Fifa have lodged an appeal to reclaim the funds that were lost to corrupt officials through bribes and other illegal schemes.
A statement from the world football's governing body read: "Fifa today submitted documents to the US authorities in an effort to reclaim tens of millions of dollars pocketed illegally by corrupt Fifa members and other football officials.
"In its capacity as a “victimised institution,” Fifa has submitted a Request for Restitution to the US Attorney’s Office and the US Probation Office for the Eastern District of New York, claiming damages from 41 former officials of Fifa and other football organisations, including Chuck Blazer, Jack Warner, Jeffrey Webb and others who have been indicted in the ongoing investigation by the US Department of Justice.
Fifa estimates that at a minimum tens of millions of dollars were diverted from the football community illegally through bribery, kickbacks and corrupt schemes carried out by the defendants. This amount is likely to increase as the investigation continues. The US government has already announced forfeiture amounts that should cover Fifa’s claims for damages.
Fifa is seeking restitution for the money the defendants pocketed to enrich themselves, but also for the salaries, benefits and bonuses that were paid to them during their tenure at Fifa and other football organisations. Fifa is also seeking money from the defendants for the damage their actions caused to Fifa’s brand and reputation, its intellectual property and its business relationships."
More to follow...
- Goal