U.S Formally Seeks Extradition Of Seven FIFA Officials From Switzerland

The US has formally asked Switzerland to extradite the seven FIFA officials arrested in Zurich in May.

The request is the latest move in a US investigation into alleged bribery involving more than $100m (£64m) within football's governing body.

"The formal requests were received on Wednesday night at the Federal Office of Justice," the government said in a statement.

The seven officials, who are fighting extradition, were arrested in Zurich on 27 May.

Those suspected of paying the bribes were allegedly given media, marketing and sponsorship rights for football tournaments in the US and Latin America.

The US is involved because the crimes are alleged to have been agreed and prepared in the US and the bribes were allegedly sent through the US banking system.

The seven FIFA officials are among 14 people from North and South America charged by US authorities over alleged involvement in bribery.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has said he would stand down following the allegations but has since indicated he might be a candidate in the new election.

Source, photo credit:
Sky News