US probe into Fifa corruption set to expand as Swiss investigators study 121 bank accounts
The US investigation into corruption at Fifa shows no sign of slowing down, with further arrests expected to be made.
US attorney general Loretta Lynch, who heads the US Department of Justice (DoJ) probe into Fifa, confirmed today that it "remains active and ongoing and has expanded since May…the scope of our investigation is not limited. We do anticipate pursuing additional charges against individuals and entities."
Yet Lynch would not be drawn into naming new suspects and refused to comment on whether outgoing president Sepp Blatter was in their sights.
Meanwhile Swiss attorney general Michael Lauber, heading up a separate investigation in Switzerland, revealed that "important financial assets have been seized" and 121 different bank accounts have been brought to their attention by the country's financial intelligence unit.
Real estate in the Swiss Alps – which Lauber said could be misused for money laundering – have been seized by investigators into the probe who are currently pouring over 11 terabytes of data connected to the case.
Lauber also commented: "It would be helpful if the parties involved would cooperate more substantially."
The football world was rocked when the DoJ brought charges against 14 officials related to Fifa corruption and made a series of arrests in May as delegates gathered in Zurich for the election of Fifa president – won by Blatter for a fifth time but ultimately damaging his reputation to such an extent he later agreed to step down.
And today Lynch issued a warning to all those working in the game engaged in corruption. She said:
To anyone who seeks to live in the past and return soccer to the days of corruption, patronage and cronyism you are the on the wrong side of progress and you do a disservice to the integrity of this wonderful sport.