Friday, July 10, 2015

US Senate to discuss Fifa's 'culture of corruption'



An FBI-led investigation has already resulted in 14 arrests, while American authorities are also concerned by alleged human rights violations in Qatar

The US Senate will hold a hearing into Fifa's "culture of corruption", Republican senator Jerry Moran has revealed.

The game's governing body is under intense scrutiny at the moment, with an FBI-led investigation into allegations of bribery dating back to 1991 already having resulted in the arrest of 14 people.

In addition, Swiss authorities have launched a separate inquiry into the Fifa votes that led to the next two World Cups being awarded to Russia and Qatar.

Moran, who is the chairman of the subcommittee on consumer protection, has now confirmed that the US Senate will discuss the situation at a hearing on July 15.

"The recent revelations of bribery and mismanagement at Fifa should be of concern to us all," he stated on Thursday.

"The organisation's culture of corruption is turning a blind eye to significant human rights violations and the tragic loss of lives.

"This hearing on the recent Fifa scandals will begin the discussion about our country’s own participation in the organisation, ways the United States and our allies can work to reform Fifa, and how we can restore integrity to the game so many Americans and citizens of the world enjoy."

A reported 1,200 construction workers have already lost their lives during Qatar's preparations for the 2022 World Cup.

Consequently, the US hearing will be attended by Amnesty International's Advocacy Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

Dan Flynn, the CEO and secretary general of the United States Soccer Federation, has also been invited to speak before the Senate.

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