FIFA: Widening SCANDAL rocks South Africa, allegations voters bribed for 2010 World Cup rights

An explosive indictment issued by US Attorney-General Loretta Lynch reveals claims that South African officials paid FIFA executives millions of dollars in exchange to host the 2010 World Cup.

According to the indictment former Fédération Internationale de Football Association (Fifa) Vice-President Jack Warner was offered and accepted a $10 million bribe to award South Africa the right to host the international soccer tournament.

The bribe, sold to Warner as an opportunity “to support the African diaspora” was allegedly offered by government officials, RDM news wire reports.

The sensational allegations emerged at a press conference today following the arrest of seven senior Fifa representatives in Switzerland during the early hours of this morning.

“Around 2004, bidding began for the opportunity to host the 2010 World Cup, which was ultimately awarded to South Africa, the first time the tournament would be held on the African continent,” Lynch told a news conference.

“But even for this historic event, FIFA executives and others corrupted the process by using bribes to influence the hosting decision.”

“The indictment alleges corruption that is rampant, systematic and deep rooted both abroad and here in the United States,” she added.

“It spans at least two generations of soccer officials who, as alleged, have abused their positions of trust to acquire millions of dollars in bribes and kickbacks. And it has profoundly harmed a multitude of victims, from the youth leagues and developing countries that should benefit from the revenue generated by the commercial rights these organizations hold, to the fans at home and throughout the world whose support for the game makes those rights valuable.”

Warner has responded to the claims, saying he was innocent of any charges. “My attention has been drawn to certain developments in world football which started several hours ago and is at the present time still ongoing,” he said on his Facebook page.

“It has been reported that a number of Fifa officials have been arrested in Switzerland and that at least one raid conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigators in Miami is being executed… at what I presume to be CONCACAF offices.

“My name is being reported by international media as being one of those persons sought in connection with the probe.

“The people of Trinidad and Tobago will know that I quit FIFA and international football more than four years ago and that over the past several years I have recommitted my life to the work of improving the lot of every citizen of every creed and race in this nation.

“I have fought fearlessly against all forms of injustice and corruption.

“I have been afforded no due process and I have not even been questioned in this matter. I reiterate that I am innocent of any charges. I have walked away from the politics of world football to immerse myself in the improvement of lives in this country where I shall, God willing, die.

“The actions of FIFA no longer concern me.”

The damning allegations are sure to cast doubt on members of the local organising committee, led by newly-appointed Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Danny Jordaan who has, up until this point, had an untarnished record.

The arrested Fifa officials face extradition to the US to face charges of corruption, fraud and racketeering.

The US Attorney-General’s office is also investigating Fifa’s 2011 presidential election and the 2016 Copa America tournament, which are also linked to the bribery allegations.

“They did this over and over, year after year, tournament after tournament,” Lynch said.