Loretta Lynch: FIFA Needs 'Soul-Searching,' Investigations To Continue
U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch was unflinching in her assessment of FIFA Wednesday, saying the organization was in need of "soul-searching" at a press conference in Brooklyn, New York. The event followed the indictment of 14 people, including FIFA officials, for charges ranging from racketeering to wire fraud.
"They were expected to uphold the rules that keep soccer honest and protect the integrity of the game," Lynch said. "Instead, they corrupted the business of worldwide soccer to serve their interests and enrich themselves. This Department of Justice is determined to end these practices; to root out corruption; and to bring wrongdoers to justice.”
The press conference -- which also featured statements from the FBI and IRS -- made it clear that investigations into soccer's governing body were not complete and that further actions were being pursued. "This really is the World Cup of fraud and today we are issuing FIFA a red card," said Richard Weber, chief of investigation of the IRS’ criminal investigation division.
Lynch did not address questions about FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who has not been charged.
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