Banned FIFA official pleads not guilty to racketeering
NEW YORK, United States (AP) — A former top FIFA official has pleaded not guilty to racketeering and bribery charges in a corruption case that has sent shock waves through the soccer world.
Jeffrey Webb was released on $10-million bond following his arraignment in federal court in Brooklyn on Saturday. His lawyer declined comment after the hearing.
The 50-year-old Webb was among seven FIFA officials detained in Switzerland. The rest are fighting extradition.
Prosecutors allege the defendants plotted to pay bribes of more than $150 million over a 24-year period. The payments were tied to the award of broadcasting and hosting rights for the World Cup and other tournaments.
Since the indictment, Webb was banned provisionally and replaced as the FIFA vice- president from the North and Central American and Caribbean region. Webb was also president of the regional governing body CONCACAF.
