Sportuk news fifauk sport

Chuck Blazer Claims Fifa Received Corrupt Bids From Two World Cup Hosts

Top Fifa Insider Admits 'Huge New Corruption Scandal'
Aubrey Allegretti & Paul Vale
|

A former top Fifa official who presided over the World Cup bidding process admitted accepting bribes from two countries, according to filings released by a New York court on Wednesday.

Chuck Blazer, previously an executive committee member of the global footballing association, claimed in testimony to a US Judge that he and other high-ranking officials received corrupt payments from France and South Africa to secure hosting of the 1998 and 2010 competitions.

"I and others on the Fifa executive committee agreed to accept bribes in conjunction with the selection of South Africa as the host nation for the 2010 World Cup," he said.

Open Image Modal

Blatter pictured with Blazer in 2011

Blazer added: "I agreed with other persons in or around 1992 to facilitate the acceptance of a bribe in conjunction with the selection of the host nation for the 1998 World Cup."

The former executive has been working with the US Department of Justice to expose other Fifa officials suspected of corruption. He also admitted to accepting bribes for broadcast rights to several Gold Cups.

Blazer had previously pled guilty to charges racketeering, money laundering, wire fraud and income tax evasion and faced up to 20 years in jail before agreeing to aid the DoJ investigation.

Last week, 14 Fifa officials, including two vice presidents, were named in an indictment by the DoJ, which led to a series of arrests in Zurich, Switzerland.

Sepp Blatter was re-elected to the post of President, despite international pressure for the 79-year-old to step down. He later quit amid reports of an FBI investigation into Russia’s 2018 and Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bids.

On Wednesday Interpol issued a red notice for two former Fifa officials and four corporate executives for charges including "racketeering, conspiracy and corruption". The notice came as South Africa's Minister of Sport and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula, denied there had been any suggestion that his country had bribed officials in order to host the 2010 World Cup.

Former Fifa vice president, Jack Warner, and former Fifa executive committee member Nicolás Leoz, are among those on the wanted list.

SEE ALSO

Sepp Blatter Wins
(01 of35)
Open Image Modal
FIFA President Sepp Blatter (C) is greeted by delegates after being re-elected following a vote to decide on the FIFA presidency as FIFA Executive member Issa Hayatou (L) looks on in Zurich on May 29, 2015. Sepp Blatter won the FIFA presidency for a fifth time after his challenger Prince Ali bin al Hussein withdrew just before a scheduled second round. (credit:MICHAEL BUHOLZER via Getty Images)
(02 of35)
Open Image Modal
FIFA President Sepp Blatter (C) is greeted by delegates after being re-elected following a vote to decide on the FIFA presidency as FIFA Executive member Issa Hayatou (L) looks on in Zurich on May 29, 2015. Sepp Blatter won the FIFA presidency for a fifth time after his challenger Prince Ali bin al Hussein withdrew just before a scheduled second round. (credit:MICHAEL BUHOLZER via Getty Images)
(03 of35)
Open Image Modal
FIFA Presidential candidate H.R.H Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan talks during the 65th FIFA Congress at the Hallenstadion on May 29, 2015 in Zurich, Switzerland. (credit:Mike Hewitt - FIFA via Getty Images)
(04 of35)
Open Image Modal
FIFA Presidential candidate H.R.H Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan talks during the 65th FIFA Congress at the Hallenstadion on May 29, 2015 in Zurich, Switzerland. (credit:Mike Hewitt - FIFA via Getty Images)
(05 of35)
Open Image Modal
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - MAY 29: FIFA Presidential candidate H.R.H Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan talks during the 65th FIFA Congress at the Hallenstadion on May 29, 2015 in Zurich, Switzerland. (credit:Mike Hewitt - FIFA via Getty Images)
(06 of35)
Open Image Modal
FIFA President Sepp Blatter gestures as he speaks after being re-elected following a vote to decide on the FIFA presidency in Zurich on May 29, 2015. Sepp Blatter won the FIFA presidency for a fifth time after his challenger Prince Ali bin al Hussein withdrew just before a scheduled second round. (credit:FABRICE COFFRINI via Getty Images)
(07 of35)
Open Image Modal
Joseph S. Blatter celebrates as he is re-elected as FIFA President after Presidential candidate H.R.H Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan withdrew from the second vote during the 65th FIFA Congress at the Hallenstadion on May 29, 2015 in Zurich, Switzerland. (credit:Mike Hewitt - FIFA via Getty Images)
(08 of35)
Open Image Modal
FIFA President Sepp Blatter gestures as he speaks after being re-elected following a vote to decide on the FIFA presidency in Zurich on May 29, 2015. Sepp Blatter won the FIFA presidency for a fifth time after his challenger Prince Ali bin al Hussein withdrew just before a scheduled second round. (credit:FABRICE COFFRINI via Getty Images)
(09 of35)
Open Image Modal
FIFA President Sepp Blatter gestures after being re-elected following a vote to decide on the FIFA presidency in Zurich on May 29, 2015. (credit:MICHAEL BUHOLZER via Getty Images)
(10 of35)
Open Image Modal
FIFA President Sepp Blatter gestures as he speaks after being re-elected following a vote to decide on the FIFA presidency in Zurich on May 29, 2015. Sepp Blatter won the FIFA presidency for a fifth time after his challenger Prince Ali bin al Hussein withdrew just before a scheduled second round. (credit:FABRICE COFFRINI via Getty Images)
(11 of35)
Open Image Modal
FIFA Presidential candidate H.R.H Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan leaves after his speech during the 65th FIFA Congress at the Hallenstadion on May 29, 2015 in Zurich, Switzerland. (credit:Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
(12 of35)
Open Image Modal
FIFA President Sepp Blatter (Foreground-L) shakes hands with UEFA president Michel Platini after being re-elected following a vote to decide on the FIFA presidency in Zurich on May 29, 2015. Sepp Blatter won the FIFA presidency for a fifth time after his challenger Prince Ali bin al Hussein withdrew just before a scheduled second round. (credit:MICHAEL BUHOLZER via Getty Images)
(13 of35)
Open Image Modal
FIFA President Sepp Blatter gestures as he speaks after being re-elected following a vote to decide on the FIFA presidency in Zurich on May 29, 2015. Sepp Blatter won the FIFA presidency for a fifth time after his challenger Prince Ali bin al Hussein withdrew just before a scheduled second round. (credit:MICHAEL BUHOLZER via Getty Images)
(14 of35)
Open Image Modal
FIFA President Sepp Blatter gestures as he speaks after being re-elected following a vote to decide on the FIFA presidency in Zurich on May 29, 2015. Sepp Blatter won the FIFA presidency for a fifth time after his challenger Prince Ali bin al Hussein withdrew just before a scheduled second round. (credit:MICHAEL BUHOLZER via Getty Images)
(15 of35)
Open Image Modal
FIFA President Sepp Blatter gestures after being re-elected following a vote to decide on the FIFA presidency in Zurich on May 29, 2015. (credit:MICHAEL BUHOLZER via Getty Images)
(16 of35)
Open Image Modal
FIFA President Sepp Blatter (Foreground-L) shakes hands with UEFA president Michel Platini after being re-elected following a vote to decide on the FIFA presidency in Zurich on May 29, 2015. Sepp Blatter won the FIFA presidency for a fifth time after his challenger Prince Ali bin al Hussein withdrew just before a scheduled second round. (credit:MICHAEL BUHOLZER via Getty Images)
(17 of35)
Open Image Modal
Officials sift through ballots as counting got underway following the vote to decide on the FIFA presidency in Zurich on May 29, 2015. Sepp Blatter, 79, is being challenged by Prince Ali bin al Hussein, a FIFA vice president. The prince, strongly backed by Europe's football powers, has campaigned on the need for change at the top of the scandal-tainted body. (credit:FABRICE COFFRINI via Getty Images)
(18 of35)
Open Image Modal
Officials sift through ballots as counting got underway following the vote to decide on the FIFA presidency in Zurich on May 29, 2015. Sepp Blatter, 79, is being challenged by Prince Ali bin al Hussein, a FIFA vice president. The prince, strongly backed by Europe's football powers, has campaigned on the need for change at the top of the scandal-tainted body. (credit:FABRICE COFFRINI via Getty Images)
(19 of35)
Open Image Modal
Officials sift through ballots as counting got underway following the vote to decide on the FIFA presidency in Zurich on May 29, 2015. Sepp Blatter, 79, is being challenged by Prince Ali bin al Hussein, a FIFA vice president. The prince, strongly backed by Europe's football powers, has campaigned on the need for change at the top of the scandal-tainted body. (credit:FABRICE COFFRINI via Getty Images)
(20 of35)
Open Image Modal
Officials sift through ballots as counting got underway following the vote to decide on the FIFA presidency in Zurich on May 29, 2015. Sepp Blatter, 79, is being challenged by Prince Ali bin al Hussein, a FIFA vice president. The prince, strongly backed by Europe's football powers, has campaigned on the need for change at the top of the scandal-tainted body. (credit:FABRICE COFFRINI via Getty Images)
(21 of35)
Open Image Modal
Jibril Al Rajoub, President of the Palestinian Football Association (front) shakes hands with FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter (2nd R) during the 65th FIFA Congress on May 29, 2015 in Zurich, Switzerland. (credit:Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
(22 of35)
Open Image Modal
Officials sift through ballots as vote counting got underway following the vote to decide on the FIFA presidency in Zurich on May 29, 2015. Sepp Blatter, 79, is being challenged by Prince Ali bin al Hussein, a FIFA vice president. The prince, strongly backed by Europe's football powers, has campaigned on the need for change at the top of the scandal-tainted body. (credit:AFP via Getty Images)
(23 of35)
Open Image Modal
Officials sift through ballots as vote counting got underway following the vote to decide on the FIFA presidency in Zurich on May 29, 2015. Sepp Blatter, 79, is being challenged by Prince Ali bin al Hussein, a FIFA vice president. The prince, strongly backed by Europe's football powers, has campaigned on the need for change at the top of the scandal-tainted body. (credit:MICHAEL BUHOLZER via Getty Images)
(24 of35)
Open Image Modal
Officials open ballot boxes as vote counting got underway following the vote to decide on the FIFA presidency in Zurich on May 29, 2015. Sepp Blatter, 79, is being challenged by Prince Ali bin al Hussein, a FIFA vice president. The prince, strongly backed by Europe's football powers, has campaigned on the need for change at the top of the scandal-tainted body. (credit:FABRICE COFFRINI via Getty Images)
(25 of35)
Open Image Modal
Officials open ballot boxes as vote counting got underway following the vote to decide on the FIFA presidency in Zurich on May 29, 2015. Sepp Blatter, 79, is being challenged by Prince Ali bin al Hussein, a FIFA vice president. The prince, strongly backed by Europe's football powers, has campaigned on the need for change at the top of the scandal-tainted body. (credit:FABRICE COFFRINI via Getty Images)
(26 of35)
Open Image Modal
A delegate casts his ballot in the vote to decide on the FIFA presidency in Zurich on May 29, 2015. Sepp Blatter, 79, is being challenged by Prince Ali bin al Hussein, a FIFA vice president. The prince, strongly backed by Europe's football powers, has campaigned on the need for change at the top of the scandal-tainted body. (credit:FABRICE COFFRINI via Getty Images)
(27 of35)
Open Image Modal
The delegate from Switzerland casts his ballot in the vote to decide on the FIFA presidency in Zurich on May 29, 2015. Sepp Blatter, 79, is being challenged by Prince Ali bin al Hussein, a FIFA vice president. The prince, strongly backed by Europe's football powers, has campaigned on the need for change at the top of the scandal-tainted body. (credit:FABRICE COFFRINI via Getty Images)
(28 of35)
Open Image Modal
Juan Angel Napout of Paraguay shakes hands with FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter after becoming FIFA Vice-President during the 65th FIFA Congress at the Hallenstadion on May 29, 2015 in Zurich, Switzerland. (credit:Alexander Hassenstein - FIFA via Getty Images)
(29 of35)
Open Image Modal
Juan Angel Napout of Paraguay shakes hands with FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter after becoming FIFA Vice-President during the 65th FIFA Congress at the Hallenstadion on May 29, 2015 in Zurich, Switzerland. (credit:Alexander Hassenstein - FIFA via Getty Images)
(30 of35)
Open Image Modal
The Niger delegate casts his ballot in the vote to decide on the FIFA presidency in Zurich on May 29, 2015. Sepp Blatter, 79, is being challenged by Prince Ali bin al Hussein, a FIFA vice president. The prince, strongly backed by Europe's football powers, has campaigned on the need for change at the top of the scandal-tainted body. (credit:FABRICE COFFRINI via Getty Images)
65th FIFA Congress(31 of35)
Open Image Modal
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - MAY 29: Joseph S. Blatter celebrates as he is re-elected as FIFA President after Presidential candidate H.R.H Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan (not pictured) withdrew from the second vote during the 65th FIFA Congress at the Hallenstadion on May 29, 2015 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) (credit:Alexander Hassenstein - FIFA via Getty Images)
FBL-FIFA-CONGRESS-VOTE(32 of35)
Open Image Modal
FIFA President Sepp Blatter (C) is greeted by delegates after being re-elected following a vote to decide on the FIFA presidency as FIFA Executive member Issa Hayatou (L) looks on in Zurich on May 29, 2015. Sepp Blatter won the FIFA presidency for a fifth time after his challenger Prince Ali bin al Hussein withdrew just before a scheduled second round. AFP PHOTO / MICHAEL BUHOLZER (Photo credit should read MICHAEL BUHOLZER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:MICHAEL BUHOLZER via Getty Images)
FBL-FIFA-CONGRESS-VOTE(33 of35)
Open Image Modal
FIFA President Sepp Blatter gestures after being re-elected following a vote to decide on the FIFA presidency in Zurich on May 29, 2015. Sepp Blatter won the FIFA presidency for a fifth time Friday after his challenger Prince Ali bin al Hussein withdrew just before a scheduled second round.AFP PHOTO / MICHAEL BUHOLZER (Photo credit should read MICHAEL BUHOLZER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:MICHAEL BUHOLZER via Getty Images)
65th FIFA Congress(34 of35)
Open Image Modal
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - MAY 29: Joseph S. Blatter (L) is congratulated by FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke of France as he is re-elected as FIFA President after Presidential candidate H.R.H Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan withdrew from the second vote during the 65th FIFA Congress at the Hallenstadion on May 29, 2015 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Mike Hewitt - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) (credit:Mike Hewitt - FIFA via Getty Images)
65th FIFA Congress(35 of35)
Open Image Modal
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - MAY 29: Joseph S. Blatter celebrates with Isha Johansen of Sierra Leone as he is re-elected as FIFA President after Presidential candidate H.R.H Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan withdrew from the second vote during the 65th FIFA Congress at the Hallenstadion on May 29, 2015 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) (credit:Alexander Hassenstein - FIFA via Getty Images)
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip