FIFA Corruption Scandal

News broke this week of a massive corruption scandal at FIFA after multiple high ranking members were arrested by Swiss Police on Wednesday morning followed by warrants for arrest for other members.

Arrest & Allegations

The initial arrests took place at luxury Baur au Lac hotel while the leadership of FIFA gathered in Zurich, Switzerland days before voting on a presidency of FIFA. The Swiss police arrested multiple high ranking FIFA member who are now set to be deported to the US and face federal charges of corruption. Former FIFA vice president Jack Warner handed himself in to police in Trinidad after a warrant for his arrest was issued by US authorities and still more FIFA members.

It is alleged that FIFA had a culture of corruption with $150 million in bribes and payoffs over 24 years among 9 officials and 5 corporate executives at FIFA. The group faces indictment for allegations of racketeering, money laundering and corruption. It's believed former FIFA executive committee member Chuck Blazer provided the key information that lead to the arrests.

Response

Since the arrests and allegations surfaced there have been serious questions raised by sponsors with VISA threatening to leave the multi-billion dollar soccer empire costing millions in sponsorships. With events costing in the millions many are asking questions about previous decisions and future venues including hosting win by Qatar with Australia asking questions after their bid for the 2022 event failed.

From the individual standpoint current FIFA President Sepp Blatter in now also in the cross airs after the allegations, however, he is expected to win the vote for president despite his close ties to those under investigation and calls for him to resign. Former Argentina captain Maradona believes the money accepted in bribes should go to training camps in Africa while Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the US of meddling with FIFA.