Fifa seeks millions from corrupt officials

Global football body FIFA has applied to US authorities for tens of millions of dollars in damages from ex-officials indicted there for graft and recognised for the first time executives had in the past “sold” votes in World Cup hosting contests.

Gianni Infantino, recently elected president to clear out the worst corruption scandal in FIFA history, said the money had been meant for playing fields and kit, not officials’ mansions and cars and he would get it back “no matter how long it takes”.

The Swiss-based body said it had filed a restitution request with federal prosecutors in New York.