​6 FIFA officials arrested on suspected corruption charges, face extradition to US

A major Swiss operation carried out early morning raids on top FIFA officials staying at a Zurich hotel. They’re reportedly facing corruption charges and may be extradited to the United States.

“The bribery suspects – representatives of sports media and sports promotion firms – are alleged to have been involved in schemes to make payments to the soccer functionaries – delegates of FIFA and other functionaries of FIFA sub-organizations – totaling more than USD 100 million,” the Swiss Federal Office of Justice said in a statement.

Football’s top shots were staying at a lavish five-star hotel in the Swiss Alps and were caught unawares as police entered the reception, got the keys and proceeded upstairs. The arrests were all made quietly – some without handcuffs, others even allowed luggage. Pictures emerged online of the figures being led out under covers to avoid disclosing some identities.

Reports indicate that Jeffrey Webb, FIFA’s vice-president, is among the arrested, but no official confirmation has yet been given.

Sepp Blatter, FIFA’s president, was reportedly not on the arrest list, with spokesman Walter de Gregoria telling the AP “He is not involved at all.” Blatter is expected to become sports’ most powerful persona again this Friday, after he secures a fifth term as president.

The Swiss investigation plans to unseal cases against more than 10 officials, New York Times reported.