Swiss police on Thursday arrested two FIFA officials s
uspected of accepting millions of dollars in bribes.
The early-morning raids in Zurich came after “arrest requests” submitted by the U.S. Department of Justice on November 29, according to the Swiss Justice Ministry.
Officials said the high-ranking FIFA officials allegedly received bribes in return for selling marketing rights in connection with football tournaments in Latin America, as well as World Cup qualifying matches.
“According to the arrest requests, some of the offences were agreed and prepared in the United States and payments were also processed via U.S. banks,” the Swiss Justice Ministry stated.
“The two suspects are now under so called extradition detention,” Ingrid Ryser, spokeswoman for the Swiss Justice Ministry said.
“If they appeal their extradition, the process could take a long time,” Ryser added.