FIFA ban six in World Cup voting scandal

FIFA has taken stern action against six officials involved in a corruption scandal. Nigeria’s Amos Adamu became the first FIFA member ever to be banned for bribery when he was suspended for three years and fined 10,000 Swiss francs (€7,300) by FIFA’s ethics committee.

He was found guilty of asking for money in return for his World Cup vote after he asked undercover journalists to channel cash for a project via a family company.

Another FIFA executive committee member Reynald Temarii from Tahiti was suspended for a year and fined 5,000 Swiss francs for breaching rules on loyalty and confidentiality.

Neither man will be able to take part in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup votes on December 2, meaning only 22 executive members will now take those decisions. Four other officials were banned for two to four years.

But FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke admits he can’t guarantee the World Cup bidding process is free of collusion. Valcke said: “I can’t answer this, I don’t vote and have no idea what discussions are between members.”