Upon his initial arrest on alleged corruption involvement in Zurich earlier in May this year, Jeffrey Webb, a former high-ranking FIFA official, pleaded not guilty in a Brooklyn federal court. He was the first of seven men arrested in US raids to the U.S. Securities official and extradited to US to face federal corruption charges related to the sale of media and marketing rights.
He along with former co-worker Jack Warner, a former FIFA Vice President has been accused by U.S. authorities of corruption spanning several decades.
It is now being reported that the former Cayman Islands Football Association President, has switched his plea on corruption charges to guilty. This was made known by US Attorney General Loretta Lynch, during her address at a conference in Washington last Thursday.
The charges are that of racketeering conspiracy, three counts of wire fraud conspiracy and three counts of money laundering conspiracy.
Suggestions are that Jack Warner and Webb actually took money that was granted by FIFA for development and relief destined for Haiti, one of the very poorest countries in their confederation. It is the first official confirmation of allegations that Warner diverted $750,000 in emergency funds donated by FIFA and the Korean Football Association intended for victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Warner is currently fighting extradition to the US.
A statement released has made indications that Webb will forfeit more than $6.7 million. Money that will be restored to victims if the accused are found guilty.
Another 16 FIFA officials including CONCACAF President Alfredo Hawit, have been accused of alleged racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies, among other offenses, in connection with their participation in a 24-year scheme to enrich themselves through the corruption of international soccer. These officials combined have decided to forfeit $40 million.
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