Fifa bribery trial kick off new york
You're referring to the FIFA bribery trial that took place in New York in 2017-2018. Here's a brief summary:
The Case:
The trial was a result of a long-running investigation by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) into corruption and bribery within FIFA, the governing body of international soccer. The investigation, known as "Operation Soccer," was launched in 2015 and led to the indictment of 14 current and former FIFA officials and sports marketing executives.
The Charges:
The defendants were accused of conspiring to corrupt the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, as well as other FIFA tournaments. They were also charged with money laundering, wire fraud, and other financial crimes.
The Trial:
The trial began on May 29, 2017, and lasted for several months. The prosecution presented evidence and testimony from over 30 witnesses, including former FIFA officials, sports marketing executives, and financial experts.
The Verdict:
On December 22, 2017, the jury delivered guilty verdicts against seven of the 14 defendants, including:
- Jeffrey Webb, former FIFA vice president
- Jack Warner, former FIFA executive committee member
- Domenico Scala, former FIFA audit committee chairman
- José María Marin, former FIFA executive committee member
- Eugenio Figueredo, former FIFA vice president
- Eduardo Li, former FIFA executive committee member
- Costas Takkas, former FIFA executive committee member
The other seven defendants were acquitted or had their cases dismissed.
Sentencing:
The guilty defendants were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 40 months to 10 years. Jeffrey Webb, for example, was sentenced to 40 months in prison, while Jack Warner was sentenced to 50 months.
Impact:
The trial marked a significant milestone in the fight against corruption in international sports. It led to the downfall of several high-ranking FIFA officials and sent a strong message that corruption would not be tolerated.
Aftermath:
In the aftermath of the trial, FIFA implemented several reforms aimed at increasing transparency and accountability within the organization. The trial also led to the resignation of several FIFA officials and the appointment of new leadership.
Overall, the FIFA bribery trial in New York was a major success in the fight against corruption in international sports, and it sent a strong message that those who engage in corrupt activities will be held accountable.