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| Fifa corruption charges: senior officials arrested amid World Cup voting inquiry – live updates | Fifa corruption charges: senior officials arrested amid World Cup voting inquiry – live updates |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 7.38pm AEST10:38 | |
| Meanwhile, as the press conference continues, this from the US: | |
| Names of 9 Fifa officials indicted from US DoJ, supergrass Chuck Blazer pleads guilty: http://t.co/GPE1i9a4OW | |
| 7.37pm AEST10:37 | |
| How can Sepp Blatter continue in power? “He is not involved. That is important information.” Have you spoken to him since the arrests? “He is focused on the congress. Let’s put it like this. The stress factor is higher today than yesterday but he is relaxed. He is not involved. All the rest, he’ll accept what will happen.” | |
| 7.34pm AEST10:34 | |
| Walter rows back a bit: "Russia and Qatar will be played, this is fact today. I can't go into speculation about what will happen tomorrow." | |
| 7.32pm AEST10:32 | |
| De Gregorio is asked: is this the lowest moment in Fifa’s history? “This for Fifa is good. It is not good in terms of image or reputation, but in terms of cleaning up, this is good … It is not a nice day, but it is also a good day. The process goes on and we are looking forward.” | |
| Updated at 7.34pm AEST | |
| 7.29pm AEST10:29 | |
| De Gregorio says he cannot confirm how many serving executives have been arrested, and says there will be no re-vote for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. “The World Cups will be played in Russia and Qatar.” | |
| Fifa spokesman says definitively that the 2018 and 2022 World Cups will take place in Russia and Qatar. Right. | |
| Updated at 7.30pm AEST | |
| 7.25pm AEST10:25 | |
| Fifa’s spokesperson says world football’s governing body will respond to all requests for information, and draws attention to the attorney general’s line that “Fifa is the damaged party” in the World Cup investigation. Walter de Gregorio repeats that Fifa’s general secretary Jérôme Valcke and president Sepp Blatter are not involved. He adds: “Fifa are suffering in these circumstances. It is a difficult moment for us.” | |
| "Fifa welcomes this process and co-operates closely with the AG of Switzerland and the federal office of justice" | |
| Fifa’s congress will go ahead as planned - and De Gregorio says there is “no plan” to postpone the presidential election. | |
| Fifa spokesman: "Of course, Congress will take place. One thing has nothing whatsoever to do with the other." | |
| Updated at 7.27pm AEST | |
| 7.19pm AEST10:19 | |
| Follow Fifa’s delayed press conference here. | |
| Updated at 7.20pm AEST | |
| 7.13pm AEST10:13 | |
| As we wait for the conference, some background on one of those detained in the FBI inquiry, the former Brazil FA president José Maria Marin. In 2012 Marin faced more awkward headlines after footage showed him apparently pocketing a medal during a presentation ceremony. He denied wrongdoing. | |
| Meanwhile, our lead story has been updated with the latest developments from a dramatic morning. | |
| Updated at 7.16pm AEST | |
| 7.08pm AEST10:08 | |
| Fifa’s press conference in Zurich - which was due at 10am - has been delayed by ten minutes. Spokesperson Walter de Gregorio will face questions over the multiple arrests in two different criminal investigations, and over the status of Friday’s presidential election, amid reports that Sepp Blatter is now lobbying for a postponement. | |
| Awaiting Fifa's director of communications Walter de Gregorio. pic.twitter.com/Si8tvx1g4l | |
| 6.53pm AEST09:53 | 6.53pm AEST09:53 |
| Footage is coming in of this morning’s arrests. | Footage is coming in of this morning’s arrests. |
| Along with some reaction. | Along with some reaction. |
| This is extraordinary! FIFA is imploding. The best thing that could possibly happen to the beautiful game. https://t.co/l5Hiwp0WxZ | This is extraordinary! FIFA is imploding. The best thing that could possibly happen to the beautiful game. https://t.co/l5Hiwp0WxZ |
| Updated at 7.03pm AEST | Updated at 7.03pm AEST |
| 6.49pm AEST09:49 | 6.49pm AEST09:49 |
| What we know so far | What we know so far |
| Fifa are facing an unprecedented crisis on the eve of their congress in Zurich after Swiss authorities made early-morning arrests of six officials and opened separate criminal proceedings over the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. | Fifa are facing an unprecedented crisis on the eve of their congress in Zurich after Swiss authorities made early-morning arrests of six officials and opened separate criminal proceedings over the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. |
| Here's the statement from the Swiss prosecutor. Explosive stuff: https://t.co/0g8vv45HR3 | Here's the statement from the Swiss prosecutor. Explosive stuff: https://t.co/0g8vv45HR3 |
| Updated at 7.33pm AEST | |
| 6.40pm AEST09:40 | 6.40pm AEST09:40 |
| World Cup votes - criminal proceedings | World Cup votes - criminal proceedings |
| The office of the Swiss attorney general has announced it is now questioning 10 Fifa executives who took part in voting on the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids. A statement says criminal proceedings have opened “against persons unknown on suspicion of criminal mismanagement and of money laundering in connection with the allocation of the 2018 and 2022 football World Cups”. | |
| Updated at 7.34pm AEST | |
| 6.31pm AEST09:31 | 6.31pm AEST09:31 |
| You’ll be able to follow a stream of Fifa’s press conference here at 10am, and we’ll pull out some of the choice quotes. Fifa’s spokesman is about to face a room full of reporters variously written off as “racists” and “colonialists” by Blatter, so it should be lively. | You’ll be able to follow a stream of Fifa’s press conference here at 10am, and we’ll pull out some of the choice quotes. Fifa’s spokesman is about to face a room full of reporters variously written off as “racists” and “colonialists” by Blatter, so it should be lively. |
| Updated at 6.34pm AEST | Updated at 6.34pm AEST |
| 6.23pm AEST09:23 | 6.23pm AEST09:23 |
| Sepp Blatter – who is “not involved at all”, according to Fifa’s spokesperson Walter de Gregorio – had been due at an early morning Confederation of African Football meeting at a different Zurich hotel. Meanwhile, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, his rival for the presidency, has arguably misjudged the public mood by calling this “a sad day for football”. His statement added: “Clearly this is a developing story, the details of which are still emerging. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.” | Sepp Blatter – who is “not involved at all”, according to Fifa’s spokesperson Walter de Gregorio – had been due at an early morning Confederation of African Football meeting at a different Zurich hotel. Meanwhile, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, his rival for the presidency, has arguably misjudged the public mood by calling this “a sad day for football”. His statement added: “Clearly this is a developing story, the details of which are still emerging. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.” |
| Earlier in the week Prince Ali’s election team contacted police after claiming it had been approached by an individual who said he could deliver 47 votes at Friday’s election, and provide them with “what appeared to be illegally obtained” information relating to Blatter’s personal financial activities. The votes offer was rejected, the campaign added, and Fifa’s ethics committee was not informed. | Earlier in the week Prince Ali’s election team contacted police after claiming it had been approached by an individual who said he could deliver 47 votes at Friday’s election, and provide them with “what appeared to be illegally obtained” information relating to Blatter’s personal financial activities. The votes offer was rejected, the campaign added, and Fifa’s ethics committee was not informed. |
| 6.10pm AEST09:10 | 6.10pm AEST09:10 |
| The Guardian’s Josh Halliday has this summary of today’s developments, including details of those arrested. | The Guardian’s Josh Halliday has this summary of today’s developments, including details of those arrested. |
| Jeffrey Webb, president of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) and a major figure in Fifa politics, was among those detained. His predecessor, Jack Warner, was also arrested, according to the New York Times. The others held by Swiss police are: Eugenio Figueredo, a Uruguayan Association football executive and former footballer; Eduardo Li, president of the Costa Rican football federation; Julio Rocha, a Fifa development officer; Rafael Esquivel, president of the Venezuelan Football Federation; José Maria Marin, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, and Nicolás Leoz, the former South American football president. Another suspect was named as Costas Takkas. Up to 15 officials are understood to be under investigation worldwide, so the arrests on Wednesday morning may be just the start. | Jeffrey Webb, president of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) and a major figure in Fifa politics, was among those detained. His predecessor, Jack Warner, was also arrested, according to the New York Times. The others held by Swiss police are: Eugenio Figueredo, a Uruguayan Association football executive and former footballer; Eduardo Li, president of the Costa Rican football federation; Julio Rocha, a Fifa development officer; Rafael Esquivel, president of the Venezuelan Football Federation; José Maria Marin, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, and Nicolás Leoz, the former South American football president. Another suspect was named as Costas Takkas. Up to 15 officials are understood to be under investigation worldwide, so the arrests on Wednesday morning may be just the start. |
| Related: Fifa corruption arrests: key questions answered | Related: Fifa corruption arrests: key questions answered |
| Updated at 6.13pm AEST | Updated at 6.13pm AEST |
| 6.06pm AEST09:06 | 6.06pm AEST09:06 |
| The arrest of Concacaf’s president Jeffrey Webb comes a month after Blatter’s visit to the confederation’s congress in the Bahamas. The event made headlines for a speech by one of the delegates in support of Blatter’s re-election: the Dominican Republic FA head Osiris Guzman, back in the game after his ban in the 2011 Concacaf bribery scandal, compared Blatter to Moses, Jesus and Nelson Mandela. The Turks and Caicos FA vice-president Olive Smith called for delegates to vote for Sepp “en bloc, to continue this mutually beneficial journey”, and Webb summed up by telling the hall: “Concacaf is – more than ever – united by one vision.” | |
| Updated at 7.36pm AEST | |
| 5.51pm AEST08:51 | 5.51pm AEST08:51 |
| Details of the FBI investigation which led to today’s arrests emerged in November last year via the New York Daily News - headline “Soccer Rat!” - which claimed Chuck Blazer, the former Fifa executive turned FBI informant, had used a bugging device to record meetings with his Fifa colleagues at the London 2012 Olympics. | |
| The paper claimed how, faced with a multimillion-dollar bill for unpaid tax on hidden earnings, Blazer agreed to cooperate with an investigation by the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service. He then recorded meetings with Fifa colleagues on a bug hidden inside a key fob while staying at a Mayfair hotel during the Olympics. | |
| The investigation into Blazer’s tax affairs turned up some choice claims about his lifestyle - including the revelation that Concacaf paid $18,000 a month for his Trump Towers apartment, and another $6,000 a month for a second Trump Towers flat, used mainly by his cats. | The investigation into Blazer’s tax affairs turned up some choice claims about his lifestyle - including the revelation that Concacaf paid $18,000 a month for his Trump Towers apartment, and another $6,000 a month for a second Trump Towers flat, used mainly by his cats. |
| Updated at 7.37pm AEST | |
| 5.33pm AEST08:33 | 5.33pm AEST08:33 |
| The Guardian’s Owen Gibson is outside the hotel – he was inside it until the press were cleared out “to protect the privacy of our guests”. Fifa are due to hold a press conference at 10am, with no word yet on whether Blatter will be there. But here’s how he saw Fifa’s congress shaping up in a tweet last week. He wasn’t wrong. | |
| FIFA is 111 years old today. The next 2 months will showcase some of our key events. http://t.co/JHChnlFW3p pic.twitter.com/e3POqKodwY | FIFA is 111 years old today. The next 2 months will showcase some of our key events. http://t.co/JHChnlFW3p pic.twitter.com/e3POqKodwY |
| Updated at 7.37pm AEST | |
| 5.27pm AEST08:27 | 5.27pm AEST08:27 |
| What we know so far | What we know so far |
| • 24 hours before the start of Fifa’s Congress in Zurich, six senior Fifa officials have been arrested in early-morning raids by Swiss authorities - with 14 people understood to be facing corruption charges worldwide. Officers carried out the dawn raid at the five-star Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich, with the Fifa vice-president Jeffrey Webb understood to be among the six detained. | |
| • Sepp Blatter was not one of those arrested. Fifa’s spokesman Walter de Gregorio told the Associated Press: “He is not involved at all.” | • Sepp Blatter was not one of those arrested. Fifa’s spokesman Walter de Gregorio told the Associated Press: “He is not involved at all.” |
| • The Swiss Federal Office of Justice said the officials were arrested pending extradition to the US on suspicion of receiving bribes totalling $100m. The New York Times reported that the charges arising from an FBI inquiry include wire fraud, racketeering and money laundering, with the US attorney general Loretta Lynch due to hold a news conference later on Wednesday. | |
| Updated at 7.38pm AEST | |
| 5.23pm AEST08:23 | 5.23pm AEST08:23 |
| Claire Phipps | Claire Phipps |
| I’m handing this live blog over to my colleague David Hills now; he’ll take you through the rest of the morning, including the upcoming Fifa press conference at 11am Zurich time (10am BST). | I’m handing this live blog over to my colleague David Hills now; he’ll take you through the rest of the morning, including the upcoming Fifa press conference at 11am Zurich time (10am BST). |
| Thanks for reading. | Thanks for reading. |
| 5.22pm AEST08:22 | 5.22pm AEST08:22 |
| Journalist Heidi Blake, who worked on the Sunday Times’ investigation into alleged Fifa corruption, the Fifa Files, has welcomed today’s arrests: | Journalist Heidi Blake, who worked on the Sunday Times’ investigation into alleged Fifa corruption, the Fifa Files, has welcomed today’s arrests: |
| US really earning its spurs as world's policeman today after utter failure by any other authority to get FIFA's rampant corruption in check. | US really earning its spurs as world's policeman today after utter failure by any other authority to get FIFA's rampant corruption in check. |
| And NBC’s Bill Neely makes this observation after it emerged that the US charges relate to alleged offences connected to tournaments in the US and Latin America: | And NBC’s Bill Neely makes this observation after it emerged that the US charges relate to alleged offences connected to tournaments in the US and Latin America: |
| Charging #FIFA officials on minor tournaments,not #Qatar2022 is like arresting Al Capone on tax charges. #getyourman | Charging #FIFA officials on minor tournaments,not #Qatar2022 is like arresting Al Capone on tax charges. #getyourman |
| 5.10pm AEST08:10 | 5.10pm AEST08:10 |
| Fifa has said it will hold a press conference at 11am (10am BST) at its Zurich headquarters. | Fifa has said it will hold a press conference at 11am (10am BST) at its Zurich headquarters. |
| Fifa executives (who have not been arrested) are currently meeting at HQ to discuss the morning’s developments. | Fifa executives (who have not been arrested) are currently meeting at HQ to discuss the morning’s developments. |
| Updated at 5.12pm AEST | Updated at 5.12pm AEST |
| 4.58pm AEST07:58 | 4.58pm AEST07:58 |
| The BBC is now reporting that it has confirmed the names of four of those arrested today: | The BBC is now reporting that it has confirmed the names of four of those arrested today: |
| Webb and Figueredo are Fifa vice-presidents. Li was due to join the executive committee on Friday and Marin is a former member of the executive committee. | Webb and Figueredo are Fifa vice-presidents. Li was due to join the executive committee on Friday and Marin is a former member of the executive committee. |
| Fifa arrests: Eduardo Li, Jose Maria Marin, Jeffrey Webb and Eugenio Figueredo all confirmed by BBC as arrested in Zurich this morning. | Fifa arrests: Eduardo Li, Jose Maria Marin, Jeffrey Webb and Eugenio Figueredo all confirmed by BBC as arrested in Zurich this morning. |
| Updated at 5.02pm AEST | Updated at 5.02pm AEST |
| 4.51pm AEST07:51 | 4.51pm AEST07:51 |
| The 14 people charged – reports | The 14 people charged – reports |
| The New York Times is now reporting 14 names of people it says have been charged in the US indictments. | The New York Times is now reporting 14 names of people it says have been charged in the US indictments. |
| It is not clear how this list corresponds to the six people arrested in Zurich today, although it is believed that Jeffrey Webb and Eduardo Li were among those taken into custody: | It is not clear how this list corresponds to the six people arrested in Zurich today, although it is believed that Jeffrey Webb and Eduardo Li were among those taken into custody: |
| The 14 people are: | The 14 people are: |
| Fifa | Fifa |
| Others | Others |
| The New York Times says charges “were also expected against” sports marketing executives Alejandro Burzaco, Aaron Davidson, Hugo Jinkis and Mariano Jinkis. | The New York Times says charges “were also expected against” sports marketing executives Alejandro Burzaco, Aaron Davidson, Hugo Jinkis and Mariano Jinkis. |
| It said José Margulies has also been charged with facilitating illegal payments. | |
| Updated at 7.39pm AEST | |
| 4.39pm AEST07:39 | 4.39pm AEST07:39 |
| We have more from our chief sports correspondent Owen Gibson, who is now outside the hotel: | We have more from our chief sports correspondent Owen Gibson, who is now outside the hotel: |
| The handful of reporters outside the Bauer au Lac has now swelled as more details emerge. | The handful of reporters outside the Bauer au Lac has now swelled as more details emerge. |
| The arrests began around 6am, with Fifa officials being ushered into unmarked cars covered by sheets. | The arrests began around 6am, with Fifa officials being ushered into unmarked cars covered by sheets. |
| The six arrested include Jeffrey Webb, the Concacaf president, who is a major figure in Fifa politics. | The six arrested include Jeffrey Webb, the Concacaf president, who is a major figure in Fifa politics. |
| Webb has been a key figure at Concacaf for years, but has more recently positioned himself as a reformer following the endless corruption claims that dogged his predecessor Jack Warner, who is also among those arrested according to the New York Times. | Webb has been a key figure at Concacaf for years, but has more recently positioned himself as a reformer following the endless corruption claims that dogged his predecessor Jack Warner, who is also among those arrested according to the New York Times. |
| pack of media outside hotel as the day gets going here in Zurich. We think all arrests at hotel have been completed. pic.twitter.com/MONsJITkFE | pack of media outside hotel as the day gets going here in Zurich. We think all arrests at hotel have been completed. pic.twitter.com/MONsJITkFE |
| Updated at 4.43pm AEST | Updated at 4.43pm AEST |
| 4.35pm AEST07:35 | 4.35pm AEST07:35 |
| Here’s a short video clip apparently showing one of the arrested officials being shielded by a sheet as he is taken to an unmarked car outside the hotel: | Here’s a short video clip apparently showing one of the arrested officials being shielded by a sheet as he is taken to an unmarked car outside the hotel: |
| Hotel staff trying to use sheets to hide officials as they exit. pic.twitter.com/o0VFKuFnQi | Hotel staff trying to use sheets to hide officials as they exit. pic.twitter.com/o0VFKuFnQi |
| 4.33pm AEST07:33 | 4.33pm AEST07:33 |
| Reporters have been asked to leave the Bauer au Lac hotel, where the arrests took place, says the Guardian’s Owen Gibson: | Reporters have been asked to leave the Bauer au Lac hotel, where the arrests took place, says the Guardian’s Owen Gibson: |
| We've been booted out of the lobby of the Bauer au Lac: "We must protect the privacy of our guests". Might be a bit late for that. | We've been booted out of the lobby of the Bauer au Lac: "We must protect the privacy of our guests". Might be a bit late for that. |
| And other Fifa officials seem also to have been taken by surprise by this morning’s arrests: | And other Fifa officials seem also to have been taken by surprise by this morning’s arrests: |
| MIchel D'Hooghe, longstanding Belgian exco member, said he had "no idea" what was going on as he hurried to a Fifa medical conference. | MIchel D'Hooghe, longstanding Belgian exco member, said he had "no idea" what was going on as he hurried to a Fifa medical conference. |
| 4.29pm AEST07:29 | 4.29pm AEST07:29 |
| Fifa members are in Zurich – where the organisation is headquartered – for the annual meeting taking place on Friday. | Fifa members are in Zurich – where the organisation is headquartered – for the annual meeting taking place on Friday. |
| Incumbent Fifa president Sepp Blatter is seeking a fifth term, after 17 years in charge. | Incumbent Fifa president Sepp Blatter is seeking a fifth term, after 17 years in charge. |
| His opponent, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, said this week that his election team had been in contact with the police after claiming it had been approached by an individual who said he could deliver 47 votes at Friday’s election. | His opponent, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, said this week that his election team had been in contact with the police after claiming it had been approached by an individual who said he could deliver 47 votes at Friday’s election. |
| Prince Ali is the only challenger to Blatter in Friday’s election after the Dutch FA president Michael van Praag and former Portugal forward Luís Figo withdrew. Blatter is the runaway favourite to secure a fifth mandate. | Prince Ali is the only challenger to Blatter in Friday’s election after the Dutch FA president Michael van Praag and former Portugal forward Luís Figo withdrew. Blatter is the runaway favourite to secure a fifth mandate. |
| 4.18pm AEST07:18 | 4.18pm AEST07:18 |
| We now have the full statement from the Swiss Federal Office of Justice (FOJ), confirming six arrests in Zurich today on suspicion of accepting bribes. | We now have the full statement from the Swiss Federal Office of Justice (FOJ), confirming six arrests in Zurich today on suspicion of accepting bribes. |
| It says that if those arrested agree to be extradited to the US, this can be approved “immediately”. | It says that if those arrested agree to be extradited to the US, this can be approved “immediately”. |
| If they don’t agree, the US will need to submit a formal extradition request. | If they don’t agree, the US will need to submit a formal extradition request. |
| The six soccer functionaries were arrested today in Zurich by the Zurich Cantonal Police. | The six soccer functionaries were arrested today in Zurich by the Zurich Cantonal Police. |
| The FOJ’s arrest warrants were issued further to a request by the US authorities. | The FOJ’s arrest warrants were issued further to a request by the US authorities. |
| The US attorney’s office for the eastern district of New York is investigating these individuals on suspicion of the acceptance of bribes and kickbacks between the early 1990s and the present day. | The US attorney’s office for the eastern district of New York is investigating these individuals on suspicion of the acceptance of bribes and kickbacks between the early 1990s and the present day. |
| The bribery suspects – representatives of sports media and sports promotion firms – are alleged to have been involved in schemes to make payments to the soccer functionaries – delegates of Fifa (Federation Internationale de Football Association) and other functionaries of Fifa sub-organisations – totalling more than US$100m. | The bribery suspects – representatives of sports media and sports promotion firms – are alleged to have been involved in schemes to make payments to the soccer functionaries – delegates of Fifa (Federation Internationale de Football Association) and other functionaries of Fifa sub-organisations – totalling more than US$100m. |
| In return, it is believed that they received media, marketing, and sponsorship rights in connection with soccer tournaments in Latin America. | In return, it is believed that they received media, marketing, and sponsorship rights in connection with soccer tournaments in Latin America. |
| According to the US request, these crimes were agreed and prepared in the US, and payments were carried out via US banks. | According to the US request, these crimes were agreed and prepared in the US, and payments were carried out via US banks. |
| The Zurich Cantonal Police will question the detainees today on behalf of the FOJ regarding the US request for their arrest. | The Zurich Cantonal Police will question the detainees today on behalf of the FOJ regarding the US request for their arrest. |
| A simplified procedure will apply for wanted persons who agree to their immediate extradition. The FOJ can immediately approve their extradition to the US and order its execution. | A simplified procedure will apply for wanted persons who agree to their immediate extradition. The FOJ can immediately approve their extradition to the US and order its execution. |
| However, if a wanted person opposes their extradition, the FOJ will invite the US to submit a formal extradition request within the deadline of 40 days specified in the bilateral extradition treaty. | However, if a wanted person opposes their extradition, the FOJ will invite the US to submit a formal extradition request within the deadline of 40 days specified in the bilateral extradition treaty. |
| Updated at 4.21pm AEST | Updated at 4.21pm AEST |
| 4.14pm AEST07:14 | 4.14pm AEST07:14 |
| Fifa: Sepp Blatter 'not involved at all' | Fifa: Sepp Blatter 'not involved at all' |
| Associated Press sends this round-up of what has happened so far in Zurich: | Associated Press sends this round-up of what has happened so far in Zurich: |
| Six soccer officials were arrested and detained by Swiss police on Wednesday pending extradition at the request of US authorities after a raid at a luxury hotel in Zurich. | Six soccer officials were arrested and detained by Swiss police on Wednesday pending extradition at the request of US authorities after a raid at a luxury hotel in Zurich. |
| The officials are in Switzerland for the Fifa congress and presidential election, where Sepp Blatter is widely expected to win a fifth term at the helm of the governing body of world soccer. | The officials are in Switzerland for the Fifa congress and presidential election, where Sepp Blatter is widely expected to win a fifth term at the helm of the governing body of world soccer. |
| Blatter was not among the men arrested, Fifa spokesman Walter de Gregorio told the Associated Press. | Blatter was not among the men arrested, Fifa spokesman Walter de Gregorio told the Associated Press. |
| “He is not involved at all,” De Gregorio said. | “He is not involved at all,” De Gregorio said. |
| Blatter is scheduled to attend a meeting of the Confederation of African Football at 10.30am local time in a different downtown Zurich hotel. | Blatter is scheduled to attend a meeting of the Confederation of African Football at 10.30am local time in a different downtown Zurich hotel. |
| The Swiss Federal Office of Justice said in a statement that US authorities suspect the six officials of having received or paid bribes totalling millions of dollars and that the crimes were agreed to and prepared in the US, and payments carried out via US banks. | The Swiss Federal Office of Justice said in a statement that US authorities suspect the six officials of having received or paid bribes totalling millions of dollars and that the crimes were agreed to and prepared in the US, and payments carried out via US banks. |
| The FOJ said the US attorney’s office for the eastern district of New York is investigating the individuals on suspicion of the acceptance of bribes and kickbacks between the early 1990s and now. | The FOJ said the US attorney’s office for the eastern district of New York is investigating the individuals on suspicion of the acceptance of bribes and kickbacks between the early 1990s and now. |
| “The bribery suspects – representatives of sports media and sports promotion firms – are alleged to have been involved in schemes to make payments to the soccer functionaries [Fifa delegates] and other functionaries of Fifa sub-organisations totalling more than US$100m,” the FOJ statement said. | “The bribery suspects – representatives of sports media and sports promotion firms – are alleged to have been involved in schemes to make payments to the soccer functionaries [Fifa delegates] and other functionaries of Fifa sub-organisations totalling more than US$100m,” the FOJ statement said. |
| “In return, it is believed that they received media, marketing, and sponsorship rights in connection with soccer tournaments in Latin America.” | “In return, it is believed that they received media, marketing, and sponsorship rights in connection with soccer tournaments in Latin America.” |
| The Zurich Cantonal Police were questioning the detainees. | The Zurich Cantonal Police were questioning the detainees. |
| Updated at 4.20pm AEST | Updated at 4.20pm AEST |
| 4.07pm AEST07:07 | 4.07pm AEST07:07 |
| Although Swiss authorities have confirmed six arrests took place in Zurich this morning, the Guardian understands as many as 15 people worldwide might have been taken into custody. | Although Swiss authorities have confirmed six arrests took place in Zurich this morning, the Guardian understands as many as 15 people worldwide might have been taken into custody. |
| 4.06pm AEST07:06 | 4.06pm AEST07:06 |
| An extraordinary image of the arrests: | An extraordinary image of the arrests: |
| FIFA officials were escorted out behind sheets at the Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich http://t.co/LCuxIyugth pic.twitter.com/1M8SuQMSUu | FIFA officials were escorted out behind sheets at the Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich http://t.co/LCuxIyugth pic.twitter.com/1M8SuQMSUu |
| 3.58pm AEST06:58 | 3.58pm AEST06:58 |
| Fifa spokesman: 'We are seeking clarity' | Fifa spokesman: 'We are seeking clarity' |
| Richard Conway, sports news correspondent for BBC 5Live, has this comment from a Fifa spokesman: | Richard Conway, sports news correspondent for BBC 5Live, has this comment from a Fifa spokesman: |
| We have seen the media reports and and are seeking clarity in this matter. | We have seen the media reports and and are seeking clarity in this matter. |
| We will make no further comment at this stage. | We will make no further comment at this stage. |
| 3.55pm AEST06:55 | 3.55pm AEST06:55 |
| Jeffrey Webb, Fifa vice-president, arrested – reports | Jeffrey Webb, Fifa vice-president, arrested – reports |
| No names have yet been confirmed by Swiss authorities, but among those arrested this morning is reported to be Jeffrey Webb, a Fifa vice-president and president of the Concacaf (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) federation formerly controlled by Jack Warner. | No names have yet been confirmed by Swiss authorities, but among those arrested this morning is reported to be Jeffrey Webb, a Fifa vice-president and president of the Concacaf (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) federation formerly controlled by Jack Warner. |
| Jeffrey Webb, Concacaf president, understood to be among those arrested sources close to Fifa confirm. | Jeffrey Webb, Concacaf president, understood to be among those arrested sources close to Fifa confirm. |
| Updated at 4.01pm AEST | Updated at 4.01pm AEST |
| 3.49pm AEST06:49 | 3.49pm AEST06:49 |
| Analysis: the day Fifa executives have long dreaded | Analysis: the day Fifa executives have long dreaded |
| The Guardian’s Owen Gibson is outside the the Bauer au Lac, the hotel from where the officials were escorted by police in an early-morning swoop: | The Guardian’s Owen Gibson is outside the the Bauer au Lac, the hotel from where the officials were escorted by police in an early-morning swoop: |
| This is the day that Fifa executives have long dreaded. The cosy, luxurious world they have enjoyed for decades, stretching back beyond the 17 years in which Sepp Blatter has been president to the era of Joao Havelange has been shattered. | This is the day that Fifa executives have long dreaded. The cosy, luxurious world they have enjoyed for decades, stretching back beyond the 17 years in which Sepp Blatter has been president to the era of Joao Havelange has been shattered. |
| It is symbolic that the arrests were made in the lobby of the Bauer au Lac hotel, which down the years has become the residence of choice for this peculiar class of cosseted captains of world football. | It is symbolic that the arrests were made in the lobby of the Bauer au Lac hotel, which down the years has become the residence of choice for this peculiar class of cosseted captains of world football. |
| The FBI has been probing Fifa for at least three years, its investigations centring on the likes of Jack Warner and Ricardo Teixeira and informed by Chuck Blazer, the former Concacaf (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) general secretary who opted to co-operate with the investigation after being threatened with prosecution over a huge unpaid tax bill. | The FBI has been probing Fifa for at least three years, its investigations centring on the likes of Jack Warner and Ricardo Teixeira and informed by Chuck Blazer, the former Concacaf (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) general secretary who opted to co-operate with the investigation after being threatened with prosecution over a huge unpaid tax bill. |
| The rumours that are now swirling around outside the hotel suggest that those arrested are mainly officials from the Concacaf region, the former fiefdom controlled by Warner. | The rumours that are now swirling around outside the hotel suggest that those arrested are mainly officials from the Concacaf region, the former fiefdom controlled by Warner. |
| 3.45pm AEST06:45 | 3.45pm AEST06:45 |
| Some more details here, via Associated Press, of the arrests: | Some more details here, via Associated Press, of the arrests: |
| The Swiss Federal Office of Justice says six soccer officials have been arrested and detained pending extradition at the request of US authorities ahead of the Fifa congress in Zurich. | The Swiss Federal Office of Justice says six soccer officials have been arrested and detained pending extradition at the request of US authorities ahead of the Fifa congress in Zurich. |
| In a statement Wednesday, the FOJ says US authorities suspect the officials of having received or paid bribes totalling millions of dollars. | In a statement Wednesday, the FOJ says US authorities suspect the officials of having received or paid bribes totalling millions of dollars. |
| It says the US attorney’s office for the eastern district of New York is investigating these individuals on suspicion of the acceptance of bribes and kickbacks between the early 1990s and now. | It says the US attorney’s office for the eastern district of New York is investigating these individuals on suspicion of the acceptance of bribes and kickbacks between the early 1990s and now. |
| Fifa, soccer’s world governing body, is holding a presidential election in Zurich on Friday, when Sepp Blatter has been widely tipped to stay in the job. | Fifa, soccer’s world governing body, is holding a presidential election in Zurich on Friday, when Sepp Blatter has been widely tipped to stay in the job. |
| Updated at 4.13pm AEST | Updated at 4.13pm AEST |
| 3.42pm AEST06:42 | 3.42pm AEST06:42 |
| The BBC’s sports editor, Dan Roan, reports that the US attorney-general is due to hold a press conference later – mid-afternoon UK time – to give more details of the indictments: | The BBC’s sports editor, Dan Roan, reports that the US attorney-general is due to hold a press conference later – mid-afternoon UK time – to give more details of the indictments: |
| Understand US Attorney-General & FBI to hold press conference on FIFA in Brooklyn, New York at 3.30 GMT | Understand US Attorney-General & FBI to hold press conference on FIFA in Brooklyn, New York at 3.30 GMT |
| 3.37pm AEST06:37 | 3.37pm AEST06:37 |
| The Guardian’s chief sports correspondent, Owen Gibson, is in Zurich and sends this dispatch: | The Guardian’s chief sports correspondent, Owen Gibson, is in Zurich and sends this dispatch: |
| We’ve just been turfed out of the opulent lobby of the Bauer au Lac hotel where Fifa’s top brass habitually gather when they come to Zurich. Yesterday, the likes of Michel Platini held court – today it has been sealed off to press and public after this morning’s drama. | We’ve just been turfed out of the opulent lobby of the Bauer au Lac hotel where Fifa’s top brass habitually gather when they come to Zurich. Yesterday, the likes of Michel Platini held court – today it has been sealed off to press and public after this morning’s drama. |
| All is quiet now after the drama of this morning’s dawn arrests. Michel d’Hooghe, a veteran Belgian executive committee member, hurried off to a Fifa medical conference without comment. ‘I heard something was happening, but I don’t want to say any more.’ | All is quiet now after the drama of this morning’s dawn arrests. Michel d’Hooghe, a veteran Belgian executive committee member, hurried off to a Fifa medical conference without comment. ‘I heard something was happening, but I don’t want to say any more.’ |
| There are lots of rumours about exactly who has been taken away by police but no confirmation on the ground. | There are lots of rumours about exactly who has been taken away by police but no confirmation on the ground. |
| Updated at 4.09pm AEST | Updated at 4.09pm AEST |
| 3.30pm AEST06:30 | 3.30pm AEST06:30 |
| Six officials arrested | Six officials arrested |
| The Associated Press says Swiss authorities have confirmed that six Fifa officials have been arrested on suspicion of receiving and/or paying millions in bribes. | The Associated Press says Swiss authorities have confirmed that six Fifa officials have been arrested on suspicion of receiving and/or paying millions in bribes. |
| 3.28pm AEST06:28 | 3.28pm AEST06:28 |
| The New York Times has more detail on the possible indictments to be laid out by US prosecutors: | The New York Times has more detail on the possible indictments to be laid out by US prosecutors: |
| The charges allege widespread corruption in Fifa over the past two decades, involving bids for World Cups as well as marketing and broadcast deals, according to three law enforcement officials with direct knowledge of the case. | The charges allege widespread corruption in Fifa over the past two decades, involving bids for World Cups as well as marketing and broadcast deals, according to three law enforcement officials with direct knowledge of the case. |
| The charges include wire fraud, racketeering and money laundering, and officials said they targeted members of Fifa’s powerful executive committee, which wields enormous power and does its business largely in secret. | The charges include wire fraud, racketeering and money laundering, and officials said they targeted members of Fifa’s powerful executive committee, which wields enormous power and does its business largely in secret. |
| There has been much scrutiny, for example, of the process by which Qatar was awarded the right to host the World Cup in 2022. | There has been much scrutiny, for example, of the process by which Qatar was awarded the right to host the World Cup in 2022. |
| In November last year, Fifa’s ethics committee closed its investigation into the controversial bidding process that saw Qatar named as host of the 2022 World Cup, ruling that any breaches of the rules were only of “very limited scope”. | In November last year, Fifa’s ethics committee closed its investigation into the controversial bidding process that saw Qatar named as host of the 2022 World Cup, ruling that any breaches of the rules were only of “very limited scope”. |
| The decision to award Qatar the tournament was hugely controversial, prompting an avalanche of allegations about the way it won the bid and concerns about the searing heat in which it would be played and the treatment of migrant workers building the infrastructure underpinning it. | The decision to award Qatar the tournament was hugely controversial, prompting an avalanche of allegations about the way it won the bid and concerns about the searing heat in which it would be played and the treatment of migrant workers building the infrastructure underpinning it. |
| But Fifa said an investigation did not find any direct link between the World Cup bid and illicit payments made by the disgraced former Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed bin Hammam, a Qatari who was banned for life for paying bribes during a campaign to unseat Sepp Blatter as Fifa president. | But Fifa said an investigation did not find any direct link between the World Cup bid and illicit payments made by the disgraced former Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed bin Hammam, a Qatari who was banned for life for paying bribes during a campaign to unseat Sepp Blatter as Fifa president. |
| Updated at 4.07pm AEST | Updated at 4.07pm AEST |
| 3.24pm AEST06:24 | 3.24pm AEST06:24 |
| New York Times reporters Michael Schmidt and Matt Apuzzo are on the scene at the hotel in Zurich: | New York Times reporters Michael Schmidt and Matt Apuzzo are on the scene at the hotel in Zurich: |
| Swiss law enforcement getting room numbers for FIFA execs they are heading upstairs to arrest pic.twitter.com/F69djqpcu5 | Swiss law enforcement getting room numbers for FIFA execs they are heading upstairs to arrest pic.twitter.com/F69djqpcu5 |
| FIFA execs not being led out in handcuffs. Very peaceful. Hotel staff meanwhile is freaking out. | FIFA execs not being led out in handcuffs. Very peaceful. Hotel staff meanwhile is freaking out. |
| One FIFA official, Eduardo Li of Costa Rica, was led from his room. http://t.co/3OXtYMwLj6 | One FIFA official, Eduardo Li of Costa Rica, was led from his room. http://t.co/3OXtYMwLj6 |
| 3.18pm AEST06:18 | 3.18pm AEST06:18 |
| Summary | Summary |
| Claire Phipps | Claire Phipps |
| Several top Fifa officials have been arrested on corruption charges in an early-morning police operation in Zurich, according to reports. | Several top Fifa officials have been arrested on corruption charges in an early-morning police operation in Zurich, according to reports. |
| The New York Times reports that more than a dozen plain-clothed officers descended on the five-star Baur au Lac hotel very early on Wednesday morning. | The New York Times reports that more than a dozen plain-clothed officers descended on the five-star Baur au Lac hotel very early on Wednesday morning. |
| The Swiss city is the setting for this year’s annual meeting of football’s world governing body. | The Swiss city is the setting for this year’s annual meeting of football’s world governing body. |
| It’s reported that multiple arrests were made on allegations of widespread corruption. | It’s reported that multiple arrests were made on allegations of widespread corruption. |
| Those arrested could now face extradition proceedings to the US, where federal corruption charges may follow. | Those arrested could now face extradition proceedings to the US, where federal corruption charges may follow. |
| The charges stem from a joint investigation by the FBI and US tax authorities that has been ongoing since at least 2011, according to the New York Daily News website. | The charges stem from a joint investigation by the FBI and US tax authorities that has been ongoing since at least 2011, according to the New York Daily News website. |
| According to the reports, more than 10 Fifa officials may be indicted as part of the investigation. | According to the reports, more than 10 Fifa officials may be indicted as part of the investigation. |
| Not all of the officials are believed to be in Zurich at present. But it is reported that Sepp Blatter, the president of Fifa, is not one of those arrested in the morning raids. | Not all of the officials are believed to be in Zurich at present. But it is reported that Sepp Blatter, the president of Fifa, is not one of those arrested in the morning raids. |
| We will have the latest on this live blog as the story develops | We will have the latest on this live blog as the story develops |
| Updated at 5.23pm AEST | Updated at 5.23pm AEST |