Fresh scandal at FIFA as ex-executives accused of bribes over W’Cup votes

World football governing body, FIFA has been hit with a fresh bribery scandal as some ex-executives have been accused of receiving bribes.

The former executives took bribes in return for voting for Russia and Qatar to host the World Cup, according to US prosecutors.

Qatar and Russia were voted to host the 2022 and 2018 men’s World Cups respectively.

In what could be a highly significant twist in the FBI’s long-running investigation into allegations of football corruption, a new indictment was revealed in the US District Court on Monday.

Read Also: Men’s Football: $7.35bn spent on transfers in 2019 — FIFA

The documents claim several former Fifa executive committee members “were offered or received bribes in connection with their votes”.

The Department of Justice makes allegations against Nicolas Leoz, the former president of South American governing body Conmebol, and ex-Brazil federation supremo Ricardo Teixeira.

Both are accused of taking money “in exchange for their votes in favour of Qatar to host the 2022 World Cup”.

Disgraced former Fifa vice-president Jack Warner of Trinidad and Tobago was also allegedly paid £4m through a host of offshore shell companies to back Russia’s 2018 bid.

Another former Fifa ExCo member – Guatemala football chief Rafael Salguero – was allegedly promised a bribe to vote for Russia.

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