tonight top fifa officials are accused of taking bribes to decide where the world cup is. this morning, seven officials were arrested in switzerland with plans to extradite them to the u.s. nine soccer officials in all, plus five others face charges from the department of justice. they held important responsibilities at every level, from building soccer fields for children in developing countries to organizing the world cup. instead, they corrupted the business of worldwide soccer to serve their interests and to enrich themselves. the indictment spans 24 years and $150 million in alleged bribes. charges include wire fraud, racketeering, and moneylaundering. corruption in the 2010 world cup selection process, and bribery in the 2011 fifa presidential election.
by director james comey of the fbi, by acting u.s. attorney kelly curry here in the eastern district of new york and chief of investigation richard weber of the irs s criminal investigation. we are here to announce charges and arrest of individuals as part of our long running investigation into the world of organized soccer. many of the individuals and organizations we will describe today were entrusted with keeping soccer open and accessible to all. they held important responsibilities at every level, from building soccer fields for children in developing countries, to organizing the world cup. they were expected to uphold the rules that keep soccer honest and to protect the integrity of the game. instead, they corrupted the business of worldwide soccer to serve their interests and to enrich themselves. this department of justice is determined to end these practices, to root out corruption, and to bring wrong
ranking fifa officials. fifa is the governing body for soccer. the charges include racketeering, wire fraud, money laundering and making millions and millions of dollars worth of bribes. the dollar amounts are eye popping. listen to the attorney general as she lays out the case just a few minutes ago. many of the individuals and organizations we will describe today were entrusted with keeping soccer open and assessable to all. they held important responsibilities at every level from building soccer fields for children in developing countries to organizing the world cup. they were expected to uphold the rules that keep soccer honest and to protect the integrity of the game. instead they corrupted the business of worldwide soccer to serve their interests and to enrich themselves. she really lays it out right there. let s bring in senior writer at sports illustrated and author